Back to School Safety Tips from the New Brunswick Police Department

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (September 5, 2024) - School is back in session, and the New Brunswick Police Department wants to remind everyone of a few safety tips, specifically for this time of year.

Throughout our City, we see an increase in vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic. Students are walking to and from schools and bus stops. Back-to-school safety not only affects students and their parents but everyone in the community. Whether you are a student, parent, or a member of the community, please refer to the following safety tips.

• Whenever possible, walk on the sidewalk; if no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic.
• Follow the rules of the road, obeying all traffic signs and signals.
• Cross streets at crosswalks.
• If no crosswalk is available and your view is blocked, move to where you can see oncoming traffic.
• Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street while maintaining eye contact with drivers of oncoming vehicles to ensure they see you.
• Stay alert - avoid cell phone use and wearing earbuds.
• Wear bright and/or reflective clothing and use a flashlight, especially at night.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
• Children younger than 10 should cross the street with an adult and or crossing guard.

• Obey all traffic laws, especially posted speed limits in school zones.
• Always watch out for pedestrians and be extra cautious when backing up.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, making eye contact to indicate that you see them.
• Never pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks.
• Stay alert - avoid distracted driving.
• Do not drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

• Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. You should slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle.
• Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped, and children are getting on or off. You must stop your car and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving, before you can start driving again.
• Even when lights aren't flashing, watch for children, particularly in the morning or mid-afternoon, around school arrival and dismissal times. Be alert as you back out of a driveway or drive through a neighborhood, school zone, or bus stop.

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