INDIANAPOLIS -- As students from Indianapolis Public Schools, the state’s largest school district, and others head back to into the classroom Monday, Indianapolis police want to remind you about a few safety precautions.
Just as students will adjust to their new school schedule, motorists are also expected do the same as they will see an increase in pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic.
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This includes obeying school zone speed limits and driving carefully when in close proximity to schools.
Recently, 150 Marion County schools installed more than 400 flashing yellow lights to inform drivers that school is in session and to make them aware of the area speed limit.
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These flashing lights replaced previous signs indicating a 25 mph speed limit.
Indianapolis police want drivers to allow extra time to reach their destinations throughout the week in the early morning and afternoon hours.
In addition, police are asking parents to slow down in school parking lots when dropping off their children. They should also be aware of children boarding or getting off school buses.
In January, lap-shoulder belts were installed in IPS’ 100 new school busesto help keep children safe and reduce playful bus behavior.
Here are some more tips from Indianapolis police to help keep students, parents and administrators safe this school year:
Walking to and from school:
• Consider if your child is mature enough to walk to school
• Consider walking with your child the first week
• Make sure your child’s walk to school is a safe route, and they cross whenever possible where a crossing guard is present
• Always walk on a sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you have to walk on the road, always walk facing traffic
• Walk in groups
• Before crossing the street, stop and look left, then right, then left again
Biking to and from school:
• Always wear a helmet, no matter how short the ride
• Ride on the right side, the same direction as traffic
• Be seen – Be aware – Be predictable
• Respect traffic lights and stop signs
• Remember to always walk your bike across a crosswalk
Riding a school bus to and from school:
• Arrive at bus stop at least 5 minutes before bus is scheduled to arrive
• When bus approaches stay back until bus stops and driver opens doors
• Never walk behind the bus
• If you drop something near a bus tell the bus driver
• Use handrails when entering or exiting bus
• Always remain seated on a bus
