The members of the Darien Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists that the first day of school is Thursday, Aug. 30.
With that date in mind we would like to provide the following safety tips in an effort to keep our children safe as the school year approaches.
— an announcement from Darien Police Department
Slow Down in School Zones: Speed limits are reduced in school zones for a reason.
Eliminate Distractions: Do not text or use your hand held cell phone while driving. In case you are not aware: texting while stopped at a red light is a violation!
Photo by Ed Poor on English Wikipedia
New York driver using two hand held mobile phones at once, in a traffic jam. (2007 picture)
Parents: Talk to your teen drivers about the dangers of texting and distracted driving. Research indicates that 80 percent of teen drivers see themselves as safer than average drivers and don’t believe that distracted driving puts them at risk. Please be aware that Connecticut General Statute 14-296aa(d) prohibits persons under the age of 18 to use any hand held mobile telephone, including one with a hands free accessory, on a public highway while operating a vehicle.
Obey the Signals of School Crossing Guards: Connecticut law requires the operator of a vehicle to immediately bring their motor vehicle to a stop when a school crossing guard directs them to do so. Heavy fines and mandatory court appearances will be the result for violations of this statue.
Be Alert for Stopped School Buses: Children are often unpredictable and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks. Always come to a complete stop when a school bus is displaying flashing red lights as students are loading or unloading. Motorists are asked to take extra precautions as students wait for their bus in the morning at various bus stops throughout town and as they exit their bus in the afternoon.
Thank you for your cooperation!
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Other back-to-school-related stories:
- From Now Till Darien’s First Day of School, Events for Teachers and New Students (Aug. 22)
- Darien Police Advice to Teens, Parents on Driving to and from School — Safely (Aug. 21)
- The Amount of Clothing and Food We Buy and Don’t Use Is Enormous — and Likely More Than You Think (Aug. 19)
- CT Sales Tax Free Week Coming Aug 19 to 25: What to Know (Aug. 17)
- Get Your Kids Involved in Back-to-School Shopping: Some Teachable-Moment Tips (Aug. 17)
- How to Protect Your Children’s Privacy as They Head Back to School (Aug. 20)
- How Darien Police Are Working with Schools in Town to Protect Students (July 30)
- Appeals for Donated School Supplies: […]Darien Human Services’ Runs Aug 13 to 30 (July 27)
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