Kent Police are reminding drivers, parents and students to use extra caution as children return to school and travel through neighborhoods, school zones, crosswalks and bus stops.
In a back-to-school safety message, the Kent Police Department urged drivers to watch for children walking, biking or boarding buses, especially in areas near schools and residential streets.
“Take the extra second to ensure an eager child isn’t about to dart out in front of you,” police said. “Kids get excited and make poor decisions in moment. Be a vigilant driver.”
Police also reminded drivers to obey stop signs on school buses, saying the signs are designed to keep children safe.
Parents are encouraged to talk with children and teens about traffic safety, including where and how to walk, wait and cross streets. Police said parents should remind students that drivers may have difficulty seeing them, especially during bad weather.
Police also advised students to avoid phones and other distractions while crossing streets.
The department said the reminder applies broadly to the community, urging people not to walk, ride or drive distracted.
BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY & BUS PROTOCOLS
— Kent Police (@kentpd) August 25, 2026
It is ‘back to school’ season in Kent. Please take a moment to consider the role everyone in our community plays to keep our Kent kids safe to and from their classrooms.
DRIVERS
Please be aware of the children coming and going as they walk,… pic.twitter.com/8YdN6jEl0K
