WESTPORT — A new academic year starts here next Tuesday, Aug. 31, and police have launched an enforcement campaign targeting drivers who violate traffic rules in school zones.

Officers will be monitoring school zones for drivers speeding and using cell phones, as well as checking bus stops and routes to ensure drivers comply with school bus signals. 

“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,” police Lt. David Wolf said in a statement Wednesday.

“Please remain vigilant around school zones, bus stops and school buses. Obey the school bus laws of Connecticut, which include slowing down and preparing to stop for yellow flashing school bus lights and stopping for red flashing school bus lights,” the statement adds.

Tips for drivers, children to promote safety:

Drivers

  • In neighborhoods with school zones or when backing into a street, watch out for children who may not be attentive to safe behavior.
  • Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially in areas with no sidewalks. 
  • Be alert!  Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic. 
  • Learn and obey the school bus laws. 
  • Here is the “flashing signal light system” used by school buses:
  • Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should prepare to stop.
  • Red flashing lights and the bus’s extended stop arm indicate the vehicle has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Motorists on both sides of the roadway must stop and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can drive again.

Children

  • Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. 
  • When the bus approaches, stand at least “three giant steps,” or about six feet, away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
  • Wait until the bus stops, the door opens and the driver gives permission before stepping into the bus.
  • If you 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,” or about 10 feet, ahead of the bus before crossing. Make sure the bus driver can see you, and you can see the driver.
  • Use bus handrails to avoid falls. When exiting the bus, ensure that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps are not caught in handrails or doors.
  • Never walk behind the bus. 
  • Walk at least “three giant steps,” or about six feet, away from the side of the bus.
  • If you drop something near the bus, tell the driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.
  • Follow instructions given by school crossing guards. Do not cross until a guard has stopped traffic completely and signaled it is safe to cross.