Hempstead, NY - August 22, 2016 - The Hempstead Police Department is urging parents to teach their children some simple safety tips before they head back to school.
“Very soon, thousands of children will be walking to and from school and school buses – many for the first time,” said Police Chief Michael McGowan. “Everyone who drives has a responsibility to be especially careful during this busy time for youngsters.”
“Hundreds of young children are killed each year in collisions with motor vehicles, and thousands more are severely injured,” added McGowan. “Children tend to be at greater risk during the back to school period because they are thinking more about seeing old friends and new teachers than watching for cars and trucks. Others are going to school for the first time.”
Drivers should be especially cautious in school areas, keeping their speed at or below posted limits and being prepared to stop, on both sides of the street, for school buses with flashing red lights, as required by New York State law.
To help protect children, Chief McGowan offered these six pedestrian-safety tips from AAA Northeast’s New York region, the local AAA affiliate:
- Look all ways before crossing the street.
- Cross only at corners
- Obey police officers, school crossing guards, members of AAA School Safety Patrols, and traffic signals.
- Watch for turning cars.
- Be especially alert in bad weather.
- Play away from traffic.
AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with 62 offices in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island providing more than 5.2 million local AAA members with travel, insurance and auto-related services.
For more information, please call the Incorporated Village of Hempstead Police Department at 516-483-6200 or visit the website.