Safe Driving As Schools Open

The beginning of a new school year is finally here and so are the students walking to and from school.  School Crossing laws and School Bus laws will be the focus of the Holliston Police Department’s traffic safety plan. Here are a few safety tips for parents, students, and motorists:

Remember it is the responsibility of all drivers and pedestrians to observe all traffic laws.  It is also the mission of the Holliston Police Department to ensure the safe movement of traffic and to reduce traffic crashes.  Together we make the difference

Tips for Motorists:

• Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits

• Always stop for a school bus that has stopped to load or unload passengers.  Red flashing lights and extended stop arm tell you the school bus is stopped to load or unload children.  State law requires you to stop.  Failure to do so can result in the issuance of a civil infraction citation

• Always stop for a school crossing guard in the roadway.  Failure to do so can result in a misdemeanor violation

• Be alert.  Watch for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks.  Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops.  Watch for children arriving late for the bus, who may dart into the street without looking for traffic.  When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking or biking to school

Tips for Students:

• Always buckle up when you’re riding in a car.

• Always ride in the back seat.  It’s the safest place for young people.

• Always wear a helmet and follow traffic safety rules when riding your bike

• If you ride a school bus, learn and practice the safety rules for waiting at the bus stop, getting on and off the bus, and riding the bus

• If you walk to school learn and practice the safety rules for pedestrians.  Always cross at cross walks; obey all traffic signs, stoplights and safety patrol instructions

• Be a good role model for your younger brothers and sisters and friends, and help them learn and practice the safety rules

Tips for Parents:

• Help your children learn and practice safety rules for walking, bicycling, or riding in a passenger car, school bus or transit bus.

• Supervise young children as they are walking or biking to school or as they wait at the school bus stop.

• Be a good role model.  Always buckle up in the car, always wear a helmet when biking, and always follow pedestrian safety rules.