CONNECTICUT STATE POLICE URGE

DRIVERS, PARENTS & CHILDREN TO PREPARE
FOR BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY

As Connecticut children head back to school next week, the Connecticut State Police urges all parents and guardians to discuss safety issues with their children.  Parents should remind children about traffic, pedestrian and personal safety-related topics before putting their children on the school bus.

State Police also caution all Connecticut drivers to be aware of “Back to School” busses along with pedestrian and bicycle traffic.   Operators are urged to use extra caution as they travel on Connecticut’s roadways and be alert to children who may be hurrying to and from school. Under state law, it is mandatory that drivers stop for school buses that are flashing red warning lights, whether drivers are approaching or following the school bus. This is mandatory on all undivided highways.  Failure to obey this law puts our children at great risk and carries a penalty for motorists, with fines starting at $460 for a first offense.

Children who are injured in accidents involving school buses usually sustain their injuries as they are entering or exiting the bus. Over the next week, State Troopers will be out in full force in cities and towns patrolling school zones and bus routes.  Both Resident State Troopers and Patrol Troopers will ensure that motorists are obeying traffic laws so that the safety of school children throughout our state is not compromised.

The Connecticut State Police encourage parents to discuss with their children the following school bus safety tips:

·      Children should have a safe place to wait for the bus, away from traffic and the street. Avoid roughhousing at bus stops.

·      Children should stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driver opens the door and signals the students to enter.

·      When being dropped off, children should exit the bus and walk ahead of it before crossing in front.  The driver can see children best when they are farther away from the bus.

·      Students should always use handrails when entering and exiting the bus.

·      Children should be aware of traffic in the roadways around them, before they approach a bus.  Drivers are required to stop for school buses; however, not all drivers obey the law. Children should always look both ways!

·      If children have questions regarding their own safety or the behavior of other riders during their trip, they should bring their concerns to their parents, teachers or school officials immediately.

-end-