WESTPORT–With school back in session, the Westport Police Department is on the lookout for drivers speeding, talking on handheld devices and passing buses that have stopped to pick up or drop off children.

But, more important than the citations for unsafe driving, the police have an overarching message: Be aware, be careful and be generous in the time you allot to getting to your destination.

Westport police are actively policing school zones, targeting traffic violators with its annual “Back to School” enforcement and education campaign. 

Officers will be on the lookout for drivers using handheld cell phones or speeding. Extra officers will monitor bus stops and routes to write citations for drivers who disregard school bus signals.

The Westport Police Department encourages all Westporters to observe these safe driving tips.

Build extra time into your commute. Drivers are sharing roads with school buses, which stop frequently, and children, who will be walking or biking to school.

Be extra vigilant around school zones, bus stops and school buses. When driving in neighborhoods with school zones or backing into a roadway, watch out for young people who may be distracted.

Slow down. Watch out for children walking in the street, especially in neighborhoods with no sidewalks.

Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.

Know the law. The school bus laws of Connecticut are clear: yellow means slow, red means stop. 

Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Drivers on both sides of the roadway need to slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.

Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Drivers on **both sides of the roadway** must stop their cars. Drivers can only start moving again when the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving.

Graphic courtesy of ZeroDeathsMD.gov/SchoolBus.

Parents, please teach your children:

Arrive early: Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

Three giant steps: When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (six feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street. Always stay six feet away from the bus until boarding.

Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it is okay before stepping onto the bus. 

If you must cross the street, always do it **in front of** the bus. Walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road at least five giant steps (ten feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. 

Line of sight: Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.

Handrails: When boarding the bus, use the handrails. 

Mind your strings: When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps are not caught in the handrails or doors.

If it is on the ground, have the driver come around. If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up–the driver may not be able to see you.

Listen to the crossing guards. Wait until they have stopped traffic completely and have told you it is safe to cross.

Parents and drivers all share the responsibility to make sure children make it to and from school safely. The Westport police encourage everyone to work together to have a safe school season.

Graphic courtesy of ZeroDeathsMD.gov/SchoolBus.