Police Remind Parents, Students, and Drivers of School Zone Safety Rules
School safety is everyone's responsibility. Parents are encouraged to talk with their kids, reinforcing pedestrian safety rules.
(SALEM, Ore. ) — Throughout the summer months Marion County Public Works has been working feverishly to upgrade several school zones with new signs and in some areas install flashing lights signaling the school zone.
Beginning Tuesday, you can expect to see Marion County Sheriff Office Deputies in several of these school zones. In addition to school zones, drivers are also reminded to watch for school buses flashing their lights to indicate they are stopping to load or unload students. The red flashing lights require that drivers traveling in both directions, on a road that is not physically divided, stop until the lights are turned off by the bus driver.
Here are some more back to school safety tips:
* School safety is everyone's responsibility. Parents are encouraged to talk with their kids, reinforcing pedestrian safety rules.
* Never allow children under age 10 to cross streets alone. Adult supervision is essential until you are sure a child has developed safe traffic habits and judgment.
* Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings, using sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
* Make sure children know to cross 10 feet in front of a school bus, never behind, and to wait for adults on the same side of the street as the school bus loading or unloading zone.
* Always cross at a corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them. Do not assume that because you can see the driver, the driver can see you.
* Look left, right and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross. Walk, do not run, across the street.
* Be a safe pedestrian around cars; watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Parents and kids should hold hands in parking lots.
* As the days get shorter kids should wear bright colored clothing, or clothing with reflective elements. Additionally a flashlight can be an excellent addition to any student who may be walking in the dark.
Source: Marion County Sheriff's Office
