Many Wheaton schools begin the new school year on Monday, Aug. 23. The Wheaton Police Department would like to share several tips to make this a safe and successful school year.
Pedestrian Safety
- Cross using marked crosswalks designated with a crossing guard.
- Look before you cross and follow the direction of school crossing guards.
- Always walk on designated sidewalks or paths, never along the side of the road.
Driver Safety
- Obey speed limits and school zones.
- Avoid distracted driving.
- Watch for students walking or on bikes.
- Do not pass a stopped school bus.
- Ensure everyone in a vehicle wears their seatbelt.
- Adhere to the directions of crossing guards to ensure the safety of children and drivers.
Bicycle Safety
- Helmets are required for riders ages 14 and younger but are recommended for ALL riders.
- Keep right and ride with traffic.
- Please note that if you are riding your bike in the downtown, you must walk (not ride) your bike on sidewalks.
- Secure your bike with a lock when not in use.
- Know and follow the rules of the road.
When to Stop for School Buses:
- On a two-lane road, vehicles traveling in both directions MUST stop when a school bus is loading/unloading.
- On a multi-lane road that is paved all the way across both directions of traffic (where there is no raised median, physical barrier, or unpaved space at least 5 feet across), vehicles traveling in both directions MUST stop. Exception: If the road has 4 or more lanes, the vehicles traveling in the opposite direction from the bus may proceed with caution.
- On a divided highway (where there is an unpaved space at least 5 feet wide, a raised median or physical barrier), vehicles behind the bus MUST stop. Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction may proceed with caution.
The Wheaton Police Department welcomes all students back to school, and wishes everyone a safe and successful school year.