Back to School Time!

Children will be heading back to school on September 5, 2012 at Bend LaPine Public Schools.  School zone safety applies to children, parents and drivers.  Children should be careful around drivers and remember that drivers won’t always see them.  Drivers should also be wary of the unpredictability of children. 

Remind children that they must cross at crosswalks and intersections only, and if they are riding a bike, they must walk their bike across.  Look both ways every time. 

Children waiting for the school bus should not board until the bus comes to a complete stop.  When leaving the bus, children must only cross the street when the driver can see them and only when the driver indicates they may cross.  Drivers must stop for a bus when it has flashing red lights.

All drivers must stop at intersections in school zones to let children pass whether there is a cross walk marked or not.  Children have the right of way.  Drivers must note and obey the reduced speed in school zones.

 Drivers should be wary of young children because they may dart in front of cars at any time.  Drivers should also remember children don’t always cross the street at intersections and may try to cross in-between parked cars. 

 

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has prepared a helpful brochure which you can see by clicking on this link.  http://cms.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/TRAFFIC-ROADWAY/docs/pdf/guide_to_school_area_safety.pdf

Let’s all look out for children not only in school zones, but anywhere you drive!