Back to School Safety Reminders

Getting to and from school can be hazardous, even under the best of circumstances.

(McMINNVILLE, Ore. ) - The initial days of school require extra caution and patience as parents and students are getting back into the routine of the school year.

In addition, the first days of school create delays and confusion as students may be attending school for the first time or attending new schools as they progress through the school system.

All drivers and pedestrians share responsibility for making our roadways safe though our awareness, demeanor, and choices. We encourage each and every user, whether drivers, or pedestrians, to be alert and make safe decisions while using our shared roadways.

School Zones: As the school year starts, please take time to make note of designated school zones in your travels that will be active each school day between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Drivers and pedestrians also need to be aware of and follow the direction of school crossing guards.

Parents, please take a couple extra minutes with your children to make sure they understand the importance of crossing in designated crosswalks and taking a few extra seconds to thoroughly scan the roadway for traffic. Also, please remind/ensure that kids wear higher visibility clothing on darker, cloudy days.

School Buses and Bus Stops: Never pass a school bus with flashing red light. Bus stop injuries happen every year in Oregon. We also want to remind drivers to be cautious of kids congregating at neighborhood bus stops. The kids are often in darker clothing and sometimes forget to stay off the roadway.

We have been fortunate that we have not had kids struck or injured around a bus or bus stop in many years and we appreciate the caution and awareness of local drivers and pedestrians.

The McMinnville Police Department is attempting to ensure school zone safety for our kids by public education through local media and social media. We will also be increasing traffic observation and enforcement activity around schools to improve awareness and safety.

Source: The McMinnville Police Department.