It’s that time of year again when parents get excited and students are looking forward to going back to school! The Putnamville State Police Post would like to pass along some safety tips to help make sure that this school year is safe for everyone! 

Driving Safety Tips 

• ALWAYS watch for stopped school buses in the morning hours and afternoon hours.

• Watch for children walking to and from school and waiting at bus stops.

• ALWAYS keep your eyes on the road and be patient driving behind school buses.

School Zone Driving Safety Tips 

• Be on the lookout for school zone signals and ALWAYS obey the speed limits.

• When entering a school zone, be sure to slow down and obey all traffic laws.

• ALWAYS stop for school buses that are loading or unloading children.

• Watch out for school crossing guards and obey their signals.

• Be aware of and watch out for children near schools, bus stops, sidewalks, in the streets, and in school parking lots.

• NEVER pass other vehicles while driving in a school zone.

• NEVER text while driving in a school zone.

• Avoid using a cell phone, unless it is completely hands-free, while driving in a school zone.

Student Driver Safety Tips

• NO cell phones while driving.

• NO extra passengers.

• NO speeding.

• NO driving or riding without a seatbelt.

These are just a few safety tips for this upcoming school year.  The Indiana State Police will have extra patrols during the school hours and will have a ZERO TOLERANCE for those who disregard a bus stop arm or speeding in school zones.