New school year is starting; slow down and use caution in school zones

Los Alamos public schools begin 2010-11 school year on Thursday

August 17, 2010—The new school year is under way across Northern New Mexico, with Los Alamos public schools starting on Thursday (August 19). Drivers are reminded to be aware of the increased presence of children and to slow down in school zones. Students should be careful getting to school and use caution around buses.

Drivers are required to obey the 15 mile-per-hour speed limit in school zones when the lights are flashing and use caution driving around school buses. Drivers should stop when the school bus lights are flashing, and should wait for a few minutes after the school bus is gone to ensure children are no longer present.

Motorists, including high school students driving to school, should drive carefully around construction areas on Diamond Drive near Los Alamos High School, and pedestrians should always cross the street using the overpass.

Parents should try to drop off their children as close to school as possible and avoid having their children cross the street to get to school. Teens should be particularly careful when driving themselves to school or riding with other teen drivers.

Tips for children

Children riding a school bus should

• Line up facing the school bus door—not along the side of the bus

• Stay out of the street while waiting for the bus

• Carry belongings in a backpack or book bag

• Avoid reaching under a school bus to retrieve anything that has rolled under it

• Move immediately onto the sidewalk and out of traffic when getting off of the bus

• Wait for a signal from the bus driver before crossing the street and walk 10 steps away from the bus to be visible to the driver

• cross the street in front of the bus—never behind it.