Safety Tips for the Upcoming School Year

Another school year is upon us with the Chandler Unified School District beginning the 2013-2014 school year on Monday, July 22, 2013.  Motorists may experience heavier traffic in the morning and afternoon hours, and should be prepared for encounters with school buses picking-up and dropping-off children, as well as children walking or riding their bicycles to school.  Also, keep in mind intersections around schools may be monitored by crossing guards.

 Parents:  Drive your children to and from school or arrange transportation either through a carpool or school bus.  If your child is going to walk or ride their bicycle to school, walk or drive the route prior to the start of the school year.  Make sure your child knows the street names along the route.  Ensure your child walks or rides the same route every day.

 Point out any areas of refuge along with way, in the event your child encounters a suspicious or dangerous situation.  Areas may include a business, church, government building, or even another school.  Talk to your children about the need to create distance in these encounters.  Children should be taught to run away, and draw attention to themselves by yelling and screaming.

 Motorists:  Be vigilant of pedestrian traffic along the roadway.  Remember the speed limit is 15 mph in school-zone crossings, and passing in these zones is prohibited.  State law requires vehicle operators to stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off children.