Milford police issued an advisory on Wednesday, Aug. 27 coinciding with the first day of school. The advisory reads as follows:
School buses are back on the roads and students are walking to and from school or waiting at their bus stops. Motorists should be careful when driving near school buildings or in designated drop-off zones for bussed students. If you are approaching a school bus from either the front or behind, and its yellow lights are flashing, the bus is preparing to stop, if the bus’ red lights are flashing, you must stop.
Here are some simple reminders for drivers:
.Slow down and be especially alert in the residential neighborhoods and school zones.
.Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
.Enter and exit driveways/alleys slowly and carefully.
.Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours.
.Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the roadway.
.Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving.
Reminder for your children:
.They should cross the street with an adult.
.Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
.Never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars.
.Make sure they always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them.
.Rehearse with children their full name, address, and phone number (including area code)
.Show them how to make emergency phone calls from home and public phones.
.Walk the neighborhood with your children. Show them safe places they can go to in an
emergency such as a trusted neighbor’s house or an open store.
.Tell children never to accept gifts or rides from someone they don’t know well.
.Report any suspicious activities to a trusted adult and call the police department.