Bishop Police Department press release

It’s back to school time after the Holiday Break. Bishop Schools will be back in services on Monday, January 4, 2016.

bishoppolice

The Bishop Police Department would like to remind motorists to drive safely during the daily drop off and pick up times, even if you don’t have children in school. We are sharing with you some Back to School Safety tips courtesy of the National Safety Council.

Sharing the Road with Young Pedestrians

Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic
In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection

Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign
Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas

Don’t honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way
Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians

Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way

Children are the least predictable pedestrians, and the most difficult to see. Take extra care to look out for children not only in school zones, but also in residential areas, playgrounds and parks.

Sharing the Road with School Buses

If you’re driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. It will give you more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.

Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children

If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop
The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus

Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks

Sharing the Road with Bicyclists

On most roads, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles, but bikes can be hard to see. Children riding bikes create special problems for drivers because usually they are not able to properly determine traffic conditions. The most common cause of collision is a driver turning left in front of a bicyclist.

When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist

When turning left and a bicyclist is approaching in the opposite direction, wait for the rider to pass

If you’re turning right and a bicyclists is approaching from behind on the right, let the rider go through the intersection first, and always use your turn signals

Watch for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling; children especially have a tendency to do this

Be extra vigilant in school zones and residential neighborhoods

Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars

Check side mirrors before opening your door

By exercising a little extra care and caution, drivers and pedestrians can co-exist safely in school zones.

City of Bishop press release

Bishop public schools are back in session after their winter break. The City of Bishop offers these tips to make traveling to and from school as safe and healthy as possible: Tips for Parents:

 Whether children walk, bike, ride the bus, or travel by car, parents should talk with them about safely getting to and from school.

 Parents of children who walk or bike should make sure they take the safest routes to school.

 Small children should be able to recite their name, address and phone number as well as the names of their parents.

 Parents should insure that school records accurately reflect current contact information.

 Help reduce traffic congestion around schools and improve health by encouraging your children to walk, bike, bus, or car pool to school if they can.\

Tips for Drivers:

 Traffic around the schools at the start and end of the school day is heavy. Allow extra time to reach your destination. Even if you are late, don’t rush near the schools.

 Obey speed limits, especially near schools.

 Pay attention and concentrate on driving safely. Don’t multitask while driving. Don’t text. Don’t even talk on the phone around schools.

 Stop for school buses loading and unloading children.

 Obey crossing guards.

 Everyone wears seat belts or sits in car seats.

Young and new drivers should be especially cautious.

Tips for Children Walking:

 Walk to school with an adult or older child if you aren’t ready to walk by yourself.

 Take a safe route to school.

 Only cross Main Street and Line Street at traffic signals.

 Only cross Home Street where there is a crossing guard.

 Walk with friends.

 Pay attention to things and people around you.

 Wear bright clothes so drivers will see you better.

 Obey crossing guards. Tell them if you need help.

 Walk don’t run, especially in crosswalks and around cars.

Tips for Children on Bikes:

 Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short the ride. The law requires children under age 16 to wear a helmet.

 Ride on the right; in the same direction as traffic.

 Obey traffic lights and stop signs.

 Walk bikes in crosswalks.

 Wear bright clothes so drivers will see you better.

The Bishop Police Department will conduct ongoing enforcement in and around school zones for all traffic violations, particularly speeding, cell phone violations, and failing to follow instructions of the crossing guards.

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