Unsafe Driving In School Zones Prompt Reminders From Cheshire Police

CHESHIRE, CT — Cheshire police are reminding residents to drive safely in and around school zones amid increasing complaints and in the wake of a tragic crash involving a Meriden crossing guard.

“Last week, a crossing guard in Meriden was struck and killed by a vehicle while doing the important work of helping children safely cross the street,” police wrote in a post on Facebook. “Here in Cheshire, our crossing guards are out there every school day doing that same job—protecting our children as they make their way to and from school.

“This week alone, we heard from two of our crossing guards who had to quickly pull children out of the roadway when approaching vehicles failed to stop for the crosswalk.”

Police said they are also receiving increasing complaints about unsafe driving and parking around our schools, including:

• Speeding in school zones
• Distracted driving and cell phone use
• Failing to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks
• Failing to stop for school buses
• Parking within 25 feet of a crosswalk, stop sign, or intersection
• Blocking driveways and intersections during school drop-off and pick-up
• Failing to stop for a crossing guard signal
• (Bicyclists should also follow all traffic safety laws.)

“It takes a community to keep our children—and the people protecting them—safe,” police wrote. “Please slow down, put the phone down, and stay alert when traveling through school zones. Give yourself extra time during arrival and dismissal. Be mindful of where you stop or park, particularly around crosswalks, intersections and driveways.

“And please talk to the teenage drivers in your family about school-zone safety. Make sure they understand the importance of slowing down, putting their phones away, watching for children, obeying crossing guards, stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks and knowing when they are required to stop for a school bus.

“Finally, take a moment to thank your crossing guards. Rain or shine, they are standing at our intersections every day, watching out for our kids.

“They are doing their part to keep our children safe.

“Let’s make sure we’re doing ours.”