Summer break is coming to a close and the start of school is just a few days away. To be exact, the first day of school kicks off on Monday 8/25/2014 this year. As school kicks off, our children’s safety is our number one priority. That being said, we would like to share a few topics of importance with you for this school year.

School Commute

• Walkers – Teach your children to pay special attention to all traffic signals and crossing guards while on their commute.  Never cross the street against a red light, even if you don’t see any traffic coming.  Wear reflective clothing/backpacks or wear bright colors so drivers can see you easier.  Plan a safe walking route to and from school or the bus stop, and parents take note of your child’s route.  Choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossings.  If commuting by foot, children are better off doing so in groups.  Finally, teach your children to avoid suspicious locations or subjects and to report those instances to a person of trust.
• Bicyclists –   Children riding bicycles need to be taught to obey the rules of the road.  Many times people on bikes forget that they must stop at stop signs and red lights.  Also, bicycles must have reflectors at all times, and a red taillight and clear front headlight when riding during dark periods.  Again, it would be a good idea to wear reflective material or bright clothing to help with visibility.
• Motorists – Be prepared for heavy traffic and long delays on school routes.  Plan on getting ready a bit earlier during the first several weeks of school so you do not have to rush.  While on your commute, be mindful of children on bikes and foot, as they may have an occasional tendency to dart out in front of you.  Lastly, remember to hang up and drive.  Using your cell phone for calls or texting is prohibited citywide, not just in our school zones. Officers will be issuing citations to those caught using a cell phone while driving.

Law Enforcement Activities

Police will be out in force in our school zones both before, during, and immediately after school.  We will be looking for speeding motorists, distracted motorist, and aggressive motorists.  During the first several weeks, patrol be exercising zero tolerance with school zone violators.

Common violations we see:

• Speeding in School Zone
• Use of Cell Phone
• Unrestrained child
• Passing a Stopped, loading/unloading school bus
• Illegal passing
• Illegal Parking (No Parking areas and double parking)

Officers will be in marked and unmarked police vehicles patrolling our school zones.  Fair warning, we are watching and working at providing for another safe and prosperous school year for our communities children.  Please help us with this goal so together we can instill a favorable atmosphere for our children to live, learn and play this school year.

Go Panthers!!