Use caution when heading back-to-school

School opens Friday and the Coal City Police Department reminds motorists to pay close attention to students as they walk and bike to school.
Motorists should be particularly alert around the early childhood center and elementary school where students are just starting to learn their route to school.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an average of 131 Americans died every year in school transporation related crashes and 75 percent of crashes involve young pedestrians heading to and from school.
Jason Clark, school resource officer for the Coal City Police Department, encourages parents of walkers and bike riders to accompany their young children to school for the first few days to be sure the student is aware of the safest path to get to and from school each day.
Clark reminds students to cross streets at appropriate intersections where crossing guards are present, “not a block early.”
Crossing guards will be located on North Broadway at Second and Third streets by the elementary school and students walking or biking to the intermediate school should cross Division Street (Route 113) at Garfield Street.
A crossing guard will also be located at the intersection of Broadway and Division Street and on Carbon Hill Road to assist students going to the Early Childhood Center.
Police also remind students who bike to school using South Broadway to travel along the west side of the street, to walk their bicycles in front of the businesses and to be alert for vehicles traveling in and out of those businesses. Additionally, Clark encourages bike riders to wear a helmet, be respectful to other pedestrians and walk their bikes through intersections.
Back-to-school means more children will be utilizing municipal streets and sidewalks, so the police department reminds motorists to pay close attention to added pedestrian traffic.
Drivers are reminded to slow down and be alert when driving through neighborhoods and school zones and when backing out of driveways. Additionally, be ready to stop at all times, be patient and wait for children to complete their crossing, and to stop when directed to do so by a crossing guard.
Clark further reminds motorists it is illegal to make a right hand turn on red when children are present at the Broadway and Division Street intersection and speeds are reduced on school days when children are present.
When approaching a school bus picking up or dropping off a child the law requires motorists to stop. Drivers should not proceed until the bus lights are no longer flashing and the stop arm is retracted.
The National Safety Council advises motorist to keep a safe distance from a stopped school bus, reporting the area 10 feet around a bus is the most dangerous for children.
Motorists are further reminded the use of cellular phones is prohibited in school zones. Texting and talking by motorists are not allowed and pedestrians are encouraged to follow the same guidelines.
When dropping off or picking up a student, follow the school’s rules. Don’t double park, block crosswalks or park in designated no parking zones.
Police officers will patrol around district schools each morning and afternoon.  And, school resource officers will greet students each morning at the middle and high schools.
Parents or community members with questions or concerns regarding school safety can contact Clark at 815-634-2341.