With the summer coming to an end, and school activities beginning, the Trumbull Police would like to take this time to remind the community of some school safety tips since more cars and now buses will be on the roadways. Back to school safety is not just for kids and their parents, it affects everyone in the community.

During this time, there will be an increase in additional vehicular and pedestrian traffic as students wait for buses and walk to and from school. Many students will also be driven to and from school at various times of the day, to include after school activities. School faculty members will also add to the volume of traffic on roads during these various times.

School buses will be hitting the roads again and we urge you to drive with caution, watch for children and never drive distracted. It is very important to recognize that there may be frequent school bus stops along their routes when students will be boarding and disembarking. Children wait at bus stops near busy roads during rush hour, and buses share the road with us all. The biggest risk regarding school buses is children approaching and exiting the bus. Often children do not remember to follow best safety practices, so it is up to the motorists in the community to keep safety in mind.

Motorists are asked to stay alert and refrain from being distracted by their phone or other means; observe and obey school zone speeds; watch for and obey crossing guards; be prepared for any darting children; and be cautious around and brake for school buses - red flashing lights means the bus is loading or unloading. It is extremely important for drivers to slow down in schools zones and to pay attention when kids are present especially before and after school. Vehicles must stop for a school bus that is stopped with red lights flashing and has its stop sign extended. This applies regardless of your direction of travel. If you are approaching a school bus with such signals you must stop. School bus violations are strictly enforced and carry a fine of $475.

Parents, please take some time and talk with your children about their safety as well. Explain the dangers of being in or near the roadway and how they should always wait for their bus at a safe distance from the road. Children should never enter the roadway, even if their bus has stopped to pick them up, until they have made sure that traffic has stopped in both directions. If you have children that walk to and from school, or the bus stop, try to have them walk in a group. It is also important that children understand that they must never approach any vehicles that are not known to them and never accept a ride from a stranger. The safety of our children is of the utmost importance.

As we begin a new school year, we want to stress that student safety is our top priority, and we are always working to ensure that children are safe. A safe community for children is a safe community for us all. Whether you are a student, parent, or a member of the community, these tips can help make the school year safe and happy for everyone. The Trumbull Police Department would like to work together to make this a safe and successful school year!

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