As the schools begin to open up for the fall school year, Sioux Falls Police Lieutenant Troy Lubbers says it's important for motorists to be aware of their surroundings.

"This year we have a staggered start date for a lot of the schools. They are kind of opening between now and September 8th when the Sioux Falls Public Schools kick off their classes. We may get a little complacent during our drive to work...or drive around the city and forget about school zones and not seeing kids. Then, the next school zone we come to actually does have students. It's really important that we pay attention and slow down during the school zones. Remember kids are walking to and from school. We need to pay attention!"

Right now, Lubbers encourages parents to talk to their kids about safety when arriving at school and leaving the building at the end of the day..

"Some of them are new students to the school system...so they're walking to school for maybe the first time. Mom and Dad need to sit down with their kids and say 'here is how you cross the street. Make sure you look both ways. Go to the stop light. Cross with the walk signs.' Just have that conversation."

Lubbers says parents should familiarize themselves with school or provider drop-off and pick up practices for younger students..and then be sure they always follow them.

Here are some more tips:

Resist the urge to speed or make any traffic rules exception because you are running late.

Refrain from using your cell phone, palm, or any other distractions while around school zones. This common-sense advice really applies whenever a motorist is behind the wheel, especially when in a driving situation around young children and their perhaps spontaneous actions.

 

 

 

 

More From KIKN-FM / Kickin' Country 99.1/100.5