Portsmouth Launches Traffic Safety Campaign For Schools

PORTSMOUTH, RI — The Portsmouth Police Department is partnering with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to raise awareness about pedestrian safety this back-to-school season.

The department will use a three-pronged approach to this initiative: crosswalk compliance, protecting student drop-offs and the STOPS program, or Safe Transportation of Portsmouth Students. Extra officers will be on duty to watch for traffic violators, especially since more walkers are expected due to coronavirus-related transportation issues. The three initiatives are explained below.

• STOPS: Officers in "low-profile" cruisers will follow bus routes to make sure traffic stops as students leave busses.
• Crosswalks: Officers will be posted at crosswalks near schools to make sure drivers are stopping for pedestrians.
• Safe drop-offs: Officers will be posted at school entrances to help regulate traffic and help people crossing the street due to an expected increase in congestion.

The department provided a list of safety tips for walkers and drivers.

Walkers

• Only cross the street at marked crosswalks
• Wear bright clothing at dusk and dawn to increase visibility to drivers
• Watch for oncoming traffic
• Make eye contact with the driver before crossing the street

Drivers

• Obey posted speed limits, and slow down in inclement conditions, including poorly lit streets
• Check for pedestrians at intersections and mid-block crosswalks, and always yield to them
• Make eye contact with pedestrians who are waiting to cross the street
• Watch for children walking or biking to school when backing out of a driveway or garage
• Be extra aware of children walking in neighborhoods and school zones and at bus stops
• Be alert
• Learn and follow school bus laws
  • Yellow flashing lights: the bus is preparing to stop and load or unload students. Slow down and get ready to stop.
  • Red flashing lights: the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off. Drivers on both sides must stop until the lights turn off and the extended stop arm is withdrawn.