Loudoun County, VA- As Summer break comes to a close Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman is asking drivers to watch for children walking to and from school as they may forget to watch for you.
Over the next few weeks, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Deputies will be conducting speed and traffic safety enforcement around local schools as part of the agency’s Back-to-School enforcement and public education campaign. LCSO Deputies will be utilizing speed measurement devices, “Smart Trailers”, variable message boards to display safety messages, marked and unmarked cruisers, as well as the agency’s motor unit.
In his annual video message, Sheriff Chapman is reminding drivers to “slow down and stay alert and help make this a great school year.” Please visit sheriff.loudoun.gov/back2school to view the safety message from Sheriff Chapman.
The Loudoun Sheriff’s Office is also offering the following tips for students and parents from the National Safety Council:
Walkers
• Parents: Practice walking to school with your child, crossing streets at crosswalks when available.
• Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you must walk in the street, walk facing traffic.
• Before crossing the street, stop and look left, right, and left again to see if cars are coming.
• Never dart out in front of a parked car.
• Never walk while texting or talking on the phone.
• Do not walk while using headphones.
• Pay attention to crossing guards.
Bike Riders
• Always wear a helmet that is fitted and secured properly. Children need to know the rules of the road: Ride single file on the right side of the road, come to a complete stop before crossing the street, and walk the bike across.
• Watch for opening car doors and other hazards.
• Use hand signals when turning.
• Wear bright-colored clothing
Bus Riders
• Parents: Teach children the proper way to get on and off the bus. Line up 6 feet away from the curb as the bus approaches.
• If seat belts are available, buckle up.
• Wait for the bus to stop completely before standing.
• Do not cross in front of the bus if possible, or walk at least 10 feet ahead until you can see the other drivers.
Drivers, Share the Road
• Don’t block crosswalks.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and take extra care in school zones. Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
• Never pass a bus loading or unloading children.
• The area 10 feet surrounding a school bus is the most dangerous for children. Provide sufficient space to allow children to safely enter and exit the bus.
• Don’t text and drive.
• Comply with speed limit signs when in school zones.
###