Did you know that 67,000 students will start school in Douglas County tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 8? For perspective, about 76,125 fans pack Empower Field at Mile High when the Denver Broncos take the field. That’s a lot of students heading back to school – and it takes all of us to keep them safe on their way.
Douglas County traffic engineers, the Douglas County School District, the Sheriff’s Office and the Denver Regional Council of Governments work together to ensure that students have safe routes to school. We can all do our part by following a few safety guidelines.
Drivers who drop off children or travel through school zones should:
- Use extreme caution.
- Drive slowly.
- Keep an eye out for children.
- Remember – it takes about one month for everyone to settle into a new routine.
Students who walk, bike, or skate to school are asked to follow these simple steps:
- Choose a safe route to walk to school with less traffic and intersections, avoid crossing busy or high-speed streets, and limit the number of streets crossed.
- Look for traffic at every driveway and intersection. Be aware of drivers in parked cars that may be getting ready to move.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals and wait to walk across the street until no traffic is coming. Listen to crossing guards if present, and walk, don’t run, bike or skate, across the street.
Carpooling helps reduce traffic, lets kids meet their friends and helps parents. The Denver Regional Council of Government’s Way to Go program offers SchoolPool to connect you with your community. Learn more on their website.
Learn more now about School Zone safety including tips for drivers.