Hello,
As the summer comes to a close and students prepare to head back to school, the American Canyon Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of our young pedestrians and drivers. The back-to-school season brings increased traffic around our schools, and we all must work together to keep our roads safe for everyone. Here are some essential tips and reminders for a safe and smooth transition back to school:
1. Obey School Zone Speed Limits: Always adhere to the posted speed limits when driving near schools. These limits are set to ensure the safety of students and pedestrians. Remember that fines for speeding in school zones are doubled.
2. Watch out for School Buses: Be cautious around school buses. When the bus stops to pick up or drop off students, it's the law to stop in both directions until the bus resumes motion. Let's ensure our kids are safe as they board and exit the bus.
3. Use Crosswalks and Follow Crossing Guards: Encourage your children to use designated crosswalks when crossing the street. If there's a crossing guard on duty, follow their instructions for a safe crossing.
4. Avoid Distractions: Put away your cell phones and other distractions while driving, especially in school zones. Stay focused on the road and be prepared to react to unexpected situations.
5. Be Patient During Drop-Off and Pick-Up: Drop-off and pick-up times can be busy around schools. Stay patient, follow the designated drop-off areas, and avoid double parking or stopping in no-parking zones.
6. Teach Safe Walking and Biking Habits: If your child walks or bikes to school, teach them the importance of following traffic rules, looking both ways before crossing, and wearing reflective gear for visibility.
7. Plan Ahead: Leave a few minutes earlier to avoid rushing during the school rush hours. This helps reduce stress and promotes safer driving.
8. Community Involvement: We invite parents, teachers, and community members to actively promote traffic safety. Let's work together to create a safe environment for our children.
9. Report Safety Concerns: If you have an immediate safety concern or notice hazardous road conditions please dial 9-1-1. Please report traffic concerns directly to the City of American Canyon's Traffic Working Group by completing this form. Your input is valuable in maintaining safe roads.
At the American Canyon Police Department, the safety of our community is our top priority. By following these guidelines and being mindful of school zones, we can ensure that the back-to-school season is a safe and positive experience for everyone. Let's make this school year the safest one yet!
Respectfully,
Rick Greenberg Chief of Police
The collective safety of our roadways depends on the individual choices we all make. We encourage you to take the We ❤ Safe Streets Pledge and promote it to your family and neighbors. Click the image below for more information.
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