(Long Island, NY) As children head back to school this week, the Suffolk County Police Department encourages parents to review basic safety instructions with their children and to discuss the traffic dangers around schools and school buses.
Parents should talk to their children about the proper way to cross streets, when to cross and what dangers to be aware of. Additionally, parents need to remind children about the dangers of taking rides from strangers as well as how to handle emergencies within the school building, including fires and other emergencies.
Motorists are reminded to slow down and be alert for children, especially during the morning and afternoon hours. Suffolk County Police officers will take a zero tolerance approach with motorists who pass stopped school buses and will target speeding and aggressive drivers in school zones as well as other roadways in the vicinities of schools.
“Ensuring our children are prepared for school is a priority of all parents,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said. “While we may think of that preparation as just educational, it is also important to ensure students receive safety instructions in an effort to promote safe travel to and from school. I wish all of the students returning to school a prosperous and safe year.”
“Our children’s safety is a top priority,” Suffolk County Police Commissioner Edward Webber said. “It’s unfortunate, but necessary, that parents make sure their children are prepared to stay as safe as possible as they head off for another school year.”
