West Hartford Public Schools open on Aug. 31, 2016, and the West Hartford Police Department has some important reminders for motorists about school zone safety.

West Hartford Police will have extra patrols and urge motorists to obey traffic safety laws. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford Public Schools reopen on Wednesday, and area private schools will soon open their doors as well. With a combined total of more than 10,000 children heading to school each day, West Hartford Police are urging motorists to use extra caution.

Police will have extra patrols stationed around school zones to ensure safety and enforce safe driving laws. They ask motorists to pay special attention to speed limits in school zones, and to remember that when a school bus is stopped with lights flashing, traffic must stop in both directions.

Drivers should also be on the lookout for children and parents walking to and from school, and be sure to obey all crossing guards.

Police urge parents to allow extra time when driving to school, and obey parking laws and designated school drop-off procedures.

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

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