Greenwich Police Offer Back-To-School Safe-Driving Tips

The first day of school for sixth- and ninth-graders is Tuesday, and the first day for all students will be Wednesday. Children will once again be walking to school through neighborhoods, waiting at bus stops and being dropped off at schools by parents and buses. 

Additionally, young drivers will be on the road driving to high school for the first time. Motorists are reminded that with all the distractions on the roads, it is critical to slow down and be aware of your surroundings. 

Be sure to practice these safest driving habits:

• The new school year is extremely busy on the roadways, so plan ahead. Leave your home earlier than normal to allow enough time to reach your destination and don't rush. 
• Obey all traffic laws. 
• Stop at all stop signs, obey all speed limits, yield to all pedestrians in a crosswalk and obey all crossing guards and student safety patrols. 
• Remember that it is illegal to proceed around a school bus with the stop sign arm engaged. 
• When entering a school zone, slow down to 20 mph and be extra alert for children on foot and bicycles. 
• Follow each school's traffic and parking plan. If you have questions or need more information on your school's traffic and parking plan, contact your school. 
• High school parents are requested to follow the directions of school staff when dropping off students. There is a new area and pattern due to the recently completed construction and new construction at the high school. 
• Do not drop off students on northbound Hillside Road near Greenwich High School. 
• Most schools do not allow parents to park or leave their vehicles unattended in any of the established drop-off/pickup patterns.

As a reminder, Connecticut bans the use of all hand-held devices while driving as well as texting while driving. Only hands-free technology is permitted. 

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