The Washington Township Police Department has started getting ready for School!  Over the next two weeks, the police department will be conducting high visibility traffic enforcement in school zones and in the areas of bus stops.  This proactive approach is taken by the Washington Township Police Department to remind motorists that the first day of school is coming upon us and to drive carefully within school zones.  Once school begins, patrol officers will be present at commencement and dismissal times and will conduct security checks of the schools.  We also now have a Special Law Enforcement Officer Class III (SLEO-III) in each school!  In additional to our security checks and our SLEO III’s, you may also see the New Jersey State Police conducting security checks as well!  These initiatives are part of the Washington Township Police Departments continued efforts to provide a safe environment for our students and staff.   

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  1. SLOW DOWN:  Follow the school zone speed limits – Slow down when entering school zones
  2. PAY ATTENTION:  Watch for Crossing Guards and Police Officers.  They will either be directing traffic or crossing individuals
  3. AVOID DISTRACTIONS:  When you head out, make sure you put your phones down and be alert.
  4. BE PATIENT:  Many parents and students are figuring out their routes and routines on the first days back
  5. USE CROSSWALKS:  Don’t cross in the middle of the road, use crosswalks and always look both ways before crossing
  6. LEAVE EARLY: Many accidents happen when drivers are in a rush, so make plans to leave your home with extra time.  Children’s safety is our priority.

 

Traveling to and from School

Courtesy the National Safety Council (NSC):

Walking to school:

  • Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. When on a street with no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
  • Before crossing the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming.
  • Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street and always cross streets at crosswalks or intersections.
  • Stay alert and avoid distracted walking. Never walk while texting. If you need to respond to a text, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk. Never cross the street while using an electronic device. Do not wear earbuds while walking across the street.

Riding a bike to school:

  • Ride on the right side of the road in the same direction as traffic, and in single file.
  • Come to a complete stop before crossing the street, and walk bikes across the street.
  • Stay alert and avoid distracted riding.
  • Always wear a properly fitted helmet and bright-colored clothing.
  • Helmets appropriate for bicycling should be worn by everyone – adults and children – on every bike ride regardless of the length of the ride.

Riding the bus to school:

  • Go to the bus stop with your child to teach them the proper way to get on and off the bus.
  • Teach your children to stand 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb.
  • If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, teach him or her to walk on the side of the road until they are 10 feet ahead of the bus. Your child and the bus driver should always be able to see each other.