WAKEFIELD — Wakefield Public Schools will welcome students back on September 2. As the school year begins, remember to keep an eye out for students walking, biking, rolling, and taking the bus. Familiarize yourself with these back-to-school safety tips to ensure the safety of all.
For motorists:
• Always be alert, focused, and obey speed limits.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and never pass other vehicles stopped at a crosswalk.
• Look for pedestrians and children when backing out of driveways or parking spaces.
• Be extra cautious around school buses. Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. Stop your car and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before you start driving again.
• Learn about and abide by the Massachusetts hands-free law. Drivers can only use electronic devices and mobile phones in hands-free mode. Holding or supporting any electronic device/phone while driving is prohibited.
For students:
• Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street and always cross at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
• Distracted walking increases the risk of falls, bumping into objects, and stepping into traffic. If you need to place a call or send a text, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk. If headphones are worn, they should be at a volume where you can still hear the sounds of traffic and surroundings.
• Cyclists should ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic, and in a single file. Always wear a properly fitted helmet and bright-colored clothing.
• Stand ten feet (or five giant steps) away from the curb when waiting for the bus. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay to get on or off.
We wish all Wakefield’s students a wonderful year ahead.