The Westport Police Department today began stepping up traffic enforcement in school zones in advance of Tuesday’s school opening.
The “Back to School” enforcement campaign will focus on motorists speeding in school zones and near bus stops, using cellphones and those who disregard school bus signals, an announcement said.
State law requires motorists to slow down and to prepare to stop for yellow, flashing school bus lights and stopping for red flashing school bus lights.
“The Westport Police Department is committed to protecting children from motorists who disregard the law, especially around school zones and bus stops where students congregate,” Lt. Jillian Cabana said.
“We urge commuters to allow for extra time as they will be sharing the roads with school buses making frequent stops, as well as children who will be walking and/or biking to school.”
Cabana also included a list of suggestions for drivers, students and parents, asking parents to discuss the safety tips with their children, as well as inexperienced drivers in their homes.
Police urge motorists to remain alert as children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic. Also, for neighborhoods in which there are no sidewalks, drivers should watch for children walking in the street.
In addition, police say children should get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. As the bus approaches, they said, children should stand at least six feet away from the curb, and that they should line up away from the street.
“If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross,” Cabana said. “Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.”
Cabana also asked students to use handrails to avoid falls, and, “When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps do not get caught in the handrails or doors.”
Police also stressed that students never walk behind the bus and to walk at least “three giant steps away from the side of the bus.”
“If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver,” Cabana said. “Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.”
Finally, students were urged to follow the instruction of school crossing guards and not to cross until the guards have stopped traffic completely and have advised it is safe to cross.
