As students return to school around Kent starting Wednesday, Aug. 28, police are urging the community to prioritize safety, especially around school zones, neighborhoods, and bus stops.
With the first day of school marking the start of a busy season, drivers, parents, and pedestrians are reminded of their roles in ensuring children’s safety to and from their classrooms:
- Drivers are asked to stay vigilant, especially in areas near schools, crosswalks, and bus stops. “Take an extra second to ensure that a child isn’t about to dart out in front of you,” officials warned, highlighting that children may make poor decisions in their excitement. Motorists are also reminded to obey school bus stop signs, which are designed to protect children as they board or exit buses.
- Parents are encouraged to talk to their children and teens about traffic safety. Officials recommend showing children how to walk, wait, and cross safely and emphasizing the dangers of distractions, such as using phones while crossing streets, especially in poor weather conditions.
- Everyone else, whether walking, biking, or driving, is asked to stay aware of their surroundings and avoid distractions to help ensure a safe school season for all.
