Back-To-School

Safety Reminders

For Motorists And Parents

As Connecticut’s students head back to school, motorists are being reminded to be extremely cautious. The message to the public is: during this Labor Day holiday and back-to-school period, Connecticut’s law enforcement agencies intend to promote safe driving habits to increase the protection of all residents, especially children.

During a morning press conference held by state Department of Motor Vehicle officials at Central Connecticut State University, parents and motorists were remind about safety precautions now that school is back in session.

Now that school is in session, more children are walking or riding their bicycles to and from school – many of them during the busiest time of the day, when motorists are rushing to work or heading home after a tiring day. One of the most common causes of injury and death of children is their darting unexpectedly into traffic. Another primary cause involves them entering traffic mid-block, often from between parked cars. Parents should instruct their children to look left-right-left before crossing streets and to cross at designated crossings whenever possible.

Some reminders to motorists include: it is a violation of state law to pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights, even when the bus is in a school yard; obey posted speed limits; pedestrians have the right-of-way while in a crosswalk; and state law requires all front seat passengers to buckle up; children under the age of four and weighing less than 40 pounds must be properly restrained in an approved child safety seat; and it is suggested that all children under the age of 12 ride in the rear seat.