Police: "School's Open, Drive Carefully"

The Yorktown Police Department issued a statement urging parents to teach their children a few tips before they head back to school. 

"Very soon, thousands of children will be walking to and from school and school buses- many for the first time," Police Chief Daniel McMahon said. "Everyone who drives has a responsibility to be especially careful during the busy time for youngsters."

Each year hundreds of young children are killed in collisions with motor vehicles, and thousands are injured, the chief said. The back-to-school period presents a greater risk for children because of their excitement to see old friends and new teachers, than to watch out for cars and trucks, police said, while others are going to school for the first time and don't have the knowledge of how to protect themselves.

Chief McMahon offered six pedestrian safety tips to help protect children:

• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Cross only at corners.
• Obey police officers, school crossing guards, members of the AAA School Safety Patrols, and traffic signals.
• Watch for turning cars.
• Be especially alert in bad weather.
• Play away from traffic.

Students in the Lakeland Central School District begin classes on Thursday, September 2.

Students in the Yorktown Central School District begin classes on Monday, September 13.