Back to School August 27 - Community Advisory

With the beginning of school in Takoma Park/Montgomery County in less than two weeks, on Monday, August 27th, here are some important tips for the safety of children, parents, pedestrians, drivers and crossing guards:

Children:

1. Always let your parents know where you are.

2. Always try to play or walk with friends.

3. Say NO if a stranger offers you gifts or asks you to help find something, like a lost dog.

4. If anyone, even someone you know, tries to do something that makes you feel "funny" or unsafe, say NO. And always tell someone you trust about it, like your parents or a teacher.

5. Never get into a car with a stranger or with someone you don’t trust.

6. Never go anywhere with a stranger or with someone you don’t trust.

7. Never believe a stranger until you have checked what he or she has said with someone you trust.

8. Never open the door to a stranger when you are home alone or to someone you don’t trust.

9. Never give any information to a stranger over the Internet or telephone.

Parents:

Please drive carefully around school buses and children. Please be extra vigilant to ensure the continued safety of our school children and school crossing guards during this time of the year.

Our Crossing Guards’ primary responsibility is to facilitate the safe crossing of students to and from school each day in all weather conditions. These crossing guards are trained and certified in traffic and pedestrian safety. Each one wears a highly visible bright yellow reflective safety vest.

Takoma Park Police remind drivers that it is very important to obey the posted speed limit and pay close attention to their surroundings at all times. Within a school zone, it is especially important to be alert, drive carefully, and follow the directions of the crossing guards.

Expect delays near schools. Know your route, start early, and drive the posted speed limit.

Motorists not involved in dropping off or picking up students should consider adjusting their route or schedule in order to avoid arrival and dismissal traffic in front of schools.

Park only in lawful areas. Parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk is against the law and can obstruct visibility for both pedestrians and motorists.

Unload school children onto the sidewalk or right side of the vehicle. Unloading school children into a traffic lane could put a child in harm’s way.

Instruct children to remain alert and look left, right, and then left again before crossing the street.

All pedestrians should not use cell phones to talk or text, nor wear headphones when crossing.

Hopefully these are a few tips to help you stay safe.

Takoma Park Police wish you a very happy and safe return to school!