West Hartford Public Schools open on August 27, 2014, and the West Hartford Police Department has some important reminders for motorists about school zone safety.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford Police have issued a reminder to residents that schools reopen on Wednesday, August, 27, and are urging motorists to drive with extra care as nearly 10,000 public school students will return to class.

Police have issued a “refresher” to drivers, urging everyone to look out for and respect:

• School speed limit zones
• School bus stop lights. Motorists stop in BOTH directions
• Children and parents walking to school
• School crossing guards, who must be obeyed by all motorists.

The West Hartford Police Department has also indicated that extra patrols will be added in the vicinity of schools to ensure the safety of children traveling to and from school. Those patrols will be strictly enforcing all traffic laws.

Parents are urged to allow extra time transporting their children to school, and to drop off only at designated areas.

In addition, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 3, police will have extra patrols dedicated to enforcing distracted driving laws. These patrols are being funded through a grant from the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Graduated license laws for 16- and 17-year-old drivers will also be strictly enforced and police say that passenger and cell phone restrictions must be obeyed. According to police, violation can result in the loss of a drivers license.