New Hope Police Remind Drivers to be Vigilant During Back to School
Summer is coming to a close and that means kids are heading back to the classroom.
As students return to their routines, friends, and teachers, it’s important to review some safety tips to help make sure everyone gets off on the right foot.
Brad Kallio, a Community Relations and Crime Prevention Officer for the New Hope Police Department, is cautioning drivers to be vigilant.
Drivers cautioned to be vigilant as kids head back to school.
“There’s going to be more kids walking around,” said Officer Brad Kallio. “There’s going to be buses out there and police are out there looking for any infractions to help keep the kids safe and just the community safe as a whole.”
Kallio reminds drivers to watch out for kids, obey traffic signals, and slow down near school zones and bus stops.
“If you are near a bus stop, be extra vigilant,” said Kallio. “Be extra ready to stop. It is the law in Minnesota that if you are behind a bus or approaching a bus and they have their lights on and the stop arm out, you must come to a complete stop both directions at least 20 feet away.”
Just like drivers, walkers should also obey traffic signals, be vigilant, and listen to safety crossing guards.
“The students are another big part of just back to school safety,” said Kalio. “If they are walking to school, stay on the sidewalks. Try to wear something reflective. Walk with a friend or a bunch of friends.”
The New Hope Police Officer has this important message for students walking to school.
Officer Kallio reminds drivers and students walking to school to obey traffic signals.
“Never assume that since you are about to cross a crosswalk that any oncoming traffic is going to stop.”
Officer Kallio says another thing to remind students walking to school is to take their ear pods out and put down their cellphones, so they can be better aware of their surroundings.
“If you are walking to school with your earbuds on, you are not going to be able to hear a car or a person coming up behind you,” said Kallio.
Whether you are a student walking to school or a driver passing by, everyone can do their part to help make the school year safer.
“We do hope that everyone has a great school year and that everybody stays safe,” said Kallio.
Officer Kallio says this time of year is also good to talk to your kids about stranger danger and that all strangers can potentially be dangerous.
