Safety first as school begins

Resort season traffic will be on the ebb when Cape Henlopen's students return to the classroom Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Cape students start following Labor Day, after the busiest traffic days of summer are over. Still, Sgt. Richard Bratz of the Delaware State Police says children should learn to be safe.

When Cape Henlopen school buses hit the road, they join a legion of more than 1,800 school buses across the state. Watching out for students at the bus stop and others walking to school is mandatory for drivers, but students and parents can also take precautions for a safe school year, Bratz said.

“It is most important to understand the dangers for children and their families,” Bratz said.

Parents and children should know where the bus stop is and how to walk there safely. Once at their bus stop, children should remain vigilant and never dart into the roadway. “Avoid horseplay that may cause you to fall into the street,” he said.

When the bus arrives, he said, children should wait until it stops. Children should always cross in front of the bus so the driver can see them. “Never run behind the bus, or bend down to pick up an object,” he said.

Motorists must also make adjustments to their commutes, taking into consideration longer drive times when school buses are en route.

“Anyone convicted of passing a stopped school bus can be fined as much as $230 for the first offense, and as much as $575 for the second offense,” Bratz said, adding the individual will also have their license suspended for between 1 and 12 months.

SCHOOL START TIMES 2017-18 SCHOOL YEAR

Cape High – 7:40 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.

Mariner Middle and Beacon Middle – 7:40 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.

Shields, Milton, H.O. Brittingham, Love Creek and Rehoboth elementaries – 8:55 a.m. to 3:55 p.m.

Sussex Consortium – 8:40 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.