For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016

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

Randolph Police Offer Back to School Safety Tips

RANDOLPH — As students prepare to go back to school next week, Chief William Pace and the Randolph Police Department are providing safety tips and precautions for the start of the new academic year.

Students in grades one through nine in the Randolph Public Schools will begin classes next Tuesday, Aug. 30. High school students (grades 10-12) will start on Wednesday, Aug. 31.

There will be an increased police presence around the schools to ensure that crosswalks are safe and school zone speed limits are obeyed.

The Randolph Police Department recommends 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.

Share the road with young pedestrians

According to the National Safety Council, the majority of children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are 4 to 7 years old. While walking, they are hit by the bus, or by a motorist illegally passing a stopped bus.

The initial fine for illegally passing a school bus is $250, with repeat offenders facing increased fines, as well as license suspensions and revocations. Randolph Police will be on patrol looking for drivers who follow school buses too closely or illegally pass the vehicles. 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 rules before teenagers hit the road with “Five to Drive:”

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

“As summer comes to an end, we encourage all students and their families to start thinking critically about implementing safety measures into their back to school routine,” Chief Pace said. “The Randolph Police Department is prepared to aide in the fall transition. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.”

Any residents with questions or concerns about back to school safety should contact School Safety Officer Kevin Donnelly at kevindonnelly@randolphmapolice.com or 781-963-1212.

School Resource Officers (SROs) are also available for any questions or concerns. SROs for the 2016-17 school year are Detective Kristin Gagnon (Randolph High School) and Detective Christopher Jones (Randolph Community Middle School).  

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