The Norman Transcript

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August 17, 2008

School's in ... so be safe

Police review basics for students, drivers

For The Transcript

Norman Public Schools will be back in session Wednesday and the Norman Police Department is encouraging citizens to get back in the habit of slowing down around schools and watching out for young pedestrians and bicyclists.

Officers will be closely monitoring school zones again to help ensure compliance. Motorists also should watch for school buses that are stopped for loading or unloading with flashing red lights activated, officials said. Driving in either direction past a school bus that is stopped with the red lights activated is unlawful, and extremely dangerous to children who are entering or leaving the bus.

Officials are suggesting parents review traffic and personal safety basics with their young students.

Children should be reminded to:

· Always walk on sidewalks when they are available, or if there is no sidewalk, on the shoulder or roadway edge facing traffic.

· Cross the street only at the corner or at a marked crosswalk. Look both ways before crossing and avoid crossing the street from between parked vehicles as the parked cars may block the view of motorists and children alike.

Children riding their bikes to school should be reminded they are subject to the same traffic laws as motor vehicles, including riding with traffic on the right side of the roadway, as near the right edge as possible. All bicyclists younger than 18 are required to wear approved bicycle helmets. Inspect bicycles to ensure that the brakes, tires and other essential equipment is properly adjusted and in good repair.

If the child will be walking or biking to a new school this year, the parent should walk or bike with the child the first time or during the weekend prior to the first day, officials said. This will ensure that the child knows the way, and allow the parent to detect any potential hazards the child may not recognize.

Remind children of the dangers of approaching or going with anyone they don't know, regardless of the reason given by the stranger.

Parents driving their children to school are reminded to drop off and pick up only at the locations designated by the school. Parents who fail to do so may endanger their child by putting them afoot in the wrong location, and frequently cause traffic jams by going against the procedure established by school officials.

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