WELCOME YOU BACK TO SCHOOL! Be Smart.  Be Safe.

Summer is over and it’s back to school time!  In an effort to keep your new school year fun and safe we ask that parents and children/students, and also, school staff and teachers, follow these simple guidelines when traveling to and from school:

• Walk with your children to school.  Walking to school promotes health, saves gas and time, and reduces traffic congestion around the school for everyone.
• Obey all posted speed signs.  Slow down when entering 15 MPH School Speed Zones. Police will enforce this!
• Obey all posted roadway signs.   For example:  “Do Not Enter” signs are for designated limited access streets around some schools. 
Police will enforce this!
• When stopping, standing, or parking your vehicle, please use the designated areas only.  Do not block driveways or sidewalks.  If you use non-designated areas, or are blocking access ways, you will be ticketed!
• Buckle Up! Ensure that all occupants of the vehicle, especially children, are always buckled up. Children must be secured in proper child safety seats and/or booster chairs, if applicable.  The State of Florida Primary Seat Belt Law requires everyone (adults and children) to buckle up.  Fines are $114 per person, per infraction.  If a child (under the age of 18) is seen not wearing a seat belt, the driver will be ticketed.
• Pedestrian Safety Tips: Always use the “look left, right, left” rule whenever crossing a street. Always use designated crosswalks and pedestrians signals, when available, making sure to follow all signal instructions.  Do not cross mid block between intersections, unless there is a designated crosswalk.  Do not cross in front of a vehicle unless you know for sure the driver clearly sees you.
• Be Safe…Be Seen: When walking or bike riding wear bright colors during the day.  During dawn, dusk and night times, use lights and/or reflective clothing so you are more visible to drivers.  Backpacks should have reflective materials on them.  Carry a flashlight.

This message is brought to you by Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Your Local Community Traffic Safety Teams, and its partners.  Be smart.  Be safe.