Slow Down As Students Head Back To The Classroom: Police

NEWARK, CA — As students head back to the classroom, the Newark Police Department would like to remind drivers to follow the speed limit and be extra careful driving through school zones.

“Please drive like it is your child, grandchild, niece or nephew walking or riding their bike to school,” Capt. Jonathan Arguello said in the Monday, Aug. 8, release. “Pick-up and drop-off times can be hectic, but it’s important to be patient and stay safe as children are getting to and from school.”

Drivers must stop when behind a school bus with a stop sign and flashing red lights so students can safely enter and exit the bus. Drivers must remain stopped while the red lights are on and drivers in both directions must stop on any two-lane road without a median or center turn lane, the news release said.

Related: Back To School: 2022-23 Newark Unified School District Calendar

The Newark Police Department offers the following tips to stay safe around schools:

• Slow down and follow the speed limit.
• Adhere to school policies and procedures for dropping off and picking up students.
• Stop for school buses. Watch for children rushing to catch the bus or exiting.
• Whenever possible, avoid blocking the crosswalk while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
• For parents with children walking or biking to school, teach them safe walking and riding behaviors, such as looking both ways before crossing the street, using sidewalks when available, and crossing at marked crosswalks with stop signs or signals.

More information on school safety, including a Back To School Safety checklist, can be found on the National School Safety website.