August is Back To School Safety Month

With summer ending and the start of school just around the corner, drivers need to do their part to keep kids safe as they walk and bike to school. Whether you are taking your kids to school or just driving through a school zone, you can do your part to keep kids safe.

August is designated as Back-to-School Safety Month, and we want to remind motorists to be extra careful at all times.

Follow the tips below to make sure you keep your children safe while walking and biking to school

Top Back to School Safety Tips

Here are some simple reminders for drivers:

Slow down and be especially alert in the residential neighborhoods and school zones

Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs

Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully

Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours

Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving

Reminder for your kids:

They should cross the street with an adult until they are at least 10 years old

Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks

Never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars

Make sure they always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them

Laws of Interest:

Car Seat Law - Any person who transports a child six (6) years of age and under and weighing less than sixty (60) pounds, shall provide and require the child to use a child restraint system. Any person who transports a child under one (1)year of age or weighing less than twenty (20) pounds in a motor vehicle on the highways of this state shall provide and require the child to ride rear-facing in a child restraint system.

Free Gun Locks - The West Hartford Police Department has received a shipment of gun locks. These gun locks were provided to agencies across the country through Project ChildSafe and is funded by a $50 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. West Hartford residents can pick up a free gun lock at the police station (limit 2 per person).

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