The first day of school is quickly approaching. Over the next two weeks, beginning on August 18th and continuing through August 25th, students of all ages will be returning to school for full in-person learning.
It's never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when kids are present – especially before and after school. The La Grange Police Department asks that you make Back to School Safety a priority.
Motorists:
- Pay attention to your surroundings.
- If you are dropping off - schools often have very specific drop-off procedures for the school year. Make sure you know the procedures. The following applies to all school zones:
- Don't double park; it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles.
- Don't load or unload children across the street from the school (drop off at the curb).
- Carpool or walk to reduce the number of vehicles at the school.
- Please obey the directions of all crossing guard.
- Cell phone usage is prohibited while driving on a roadway within a school speed zone, including hands-free devices.
- Yield to ALL pedestrians.
- Do not block pedestrian crosswalks at any time.
- The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus.
- Obey school zone speed limits.
Pedestrians / Bicyclists:
- Do not assume a vehicle sees you.
- Make eye contact and use hand signals to communicate with a vehicle’s driver.
- Use crosswalks even if they are further down the street from where you intend to cross.
- Do not use your phone while crossing a street.
- Use pedestrian crossing buttons to activate the “walk” signal at intersections. Cross the street only when you see the “walk” signal.
- Pay attention to the crossing guard when using an intersection staffed by a crossing guard.
- Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, and in a single file.
- Come to a complete stop before crossing the street; walk bikes across the street.
- Stay alert and avoid distracted riding.
- Make sure your child always wears a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing.
Walkers:
- Walk on the sidewalk, if one is available; when on a street with no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
- Before you cross the street, stop and look left, right, and left again to see if cars are coming.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing and always cross streets at crosswalks or intersections.
- Stay alert and avoid distracted walking.
Bus Riders:
- Go to the bus stop with your child to teach them the proper way to get on and off the bus.
- Teach your children to stand 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb.
- If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, teach them to walk on the side of the road until they are 10 feet ahead of the bus; your child and the bus driver should always be able to see each other.
For more information Pedestrian and Back to School Safety Tips, please click here.
2021 Back to School News Release