School's Open, Watch for Children

When Port Washington Public Schools open Monday, Sept. 9, the streets will buzz with activity from students and parents alike heading to school.

In the interest of safety, the Port Washington Police District will add additional patrol units during the first week of school. According to police, officers will be assigned at various times and days to enforce targeted violations including speeding; passing through red lights; disobeying traffic control devices such as stop signs, no U-turn signs, and no turn on red signs; and failure to yield to pedestrians.

How can you help keep local children safe? Acting Chief James Salerno and the district’s Board of Commissioners provided these tips:

• Observe speed limits in school zones and in our neighborhoods: SLOW DOWN!
• Stop at Stop Signs: Do not roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods; always come to a complete stop. Children are quick and unpredictable – check sidewalks and crosswalks before proceeding.
• Reduce Your Risks: Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing. Avoid accidents by not using your cell phone to talk or text while driving.
• Watch for bicycles. Children on bikes are often inexperienced. Slow down and allow at least three feet of passing distance between your vehicle and a bicyclist. If your child rides a bicycle, require that he or she wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet on every ride.