NORWICH – The start of every school year means more than just students beginning classes – it also means drivers will have to modify their routines.
“When summer starts a lot of people get into a summer driving habit. The nice weather and the open roads can get people going a little faster than they might otherwise drive. The start of school year is a good time to get out of those summer habits,” said New York State Trooper Sergeant Elizabeth R. Wonka, Station Commander at the Norwich Troop C barracks.
The State Police are supporting the New York State Automobile Association’s annual “School’s Open, Drive Carefully” safety campaign. The police will be strictly enforcing school traffic safety and have marked their patrol vehicles with stickers promoting the campaign.
“As summer season comes to an end, thousands of children will be boarding buses and walking to and from school, some of them for the first time. Everyone who drives has a responsibility to be especially careful during this busy time,” said Sergeant Wonka.
The Norwich Police Department would also like to remind all motorists that school begins today and extra precaution should be taken when getting behind the wheel.
“Children will be walking to school or waiting for school buses early in the morning. This is also the same time of day that folks will be rushing to work,” Norwich City Police Chief Joseph Angelino said.
Police recommend people head to work a little earlier and hopefully avoid the temptation to make up for lost time on the road. The state-wide school speed limit is 15 mph and should be strictly followed especially during the beginning and end of school hours.
Both crosswalks and school buses are areas that demand extra attention when driving. School buses can be easily identified on the road, besides there bright yellow color, all school buses are required by law to be equipped with flashing lights and a stop sign extension. If you see any without the proper safety devices, notify either the police or if possible the school responsible.
State law requires all vehicles to come to a complete stop when meeting or overtaking school buses that have stopped, with their red lights flashing, to pick up or discharge passengers. Failure to comply with these laws can result in a serious fine but more importantly could result in the loss of a child’s life, said Sergeant Wonka.
There are four main crosswalks in Norwich that have crossing guards: North Broad at Newton Avenue, North Broad at Rexford Street, South Broad at Beebe Avenue and South Broad at Hale Street.
“They (crossing guards) also have the authority to stop or direct traffic as needed,” Angelino said. “People should be patient and courteous.”
Police have arranged to be in the area near schools and crossing guards and urge motorists to use caution when on the road this school year.