For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Newburyport Officials Offer Safety Tips as Students Go Back to School Next Week

NEWBURYPORT — Mayor Donna Holaday, City Marshal Michael Murray, and Fire Chief Christopher LeClaire would like to provide safety tips for the start of the new academic year.

Students in grades one through 12 in the Newburyport Public Schools will begin classes Wednesday, Aug. 31.

Mayor Holaday, Marshal Murray, and Chief LeClaire , as well as city and public safety officials, will be present to ensure a smooth transition back to school. They encourage parents and guardians to start thinking about the coming changes to their family’s routine, and talk with children about safety concerns before school starts next week.

Additionally, Newburyport officials recommend that residents follow several safety tips outlined by the National Safety Council:

If you’re dropping off

• Do not double park; it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles
• Do not load or unload children across the street from the school
• Follow specific instructions given by your child’s school

Share the road with young pedestrians

• Use caution around crosswalks and school bus drop offs
• The fine for illegally passing a school bus is a maximum of $250
• Repeat offenders may have their license suspended

Additionally, police recommend that operators:

• Do not block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn. This forces pedestrians to go around you and could put them in the path of moving traffic.
• In a school zone, when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection.
• Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign and never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.

Share the road with buses

• Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children.
• If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop.
• The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children;. Stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.
• Be alert. Children often are unpredictable and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks.

Protect new teenage drivers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminds parents to set the rules before they hit the road:

• No cell phones while driving
• No extra passengers
• No speeding
• No driving or riding without a seat belt

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