West Hartford Public Schools open on Aug. 30, 2017, and the West Hartford Police Department has some important reminders for motorists about school zone safety.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford Public Schools reopen on Wednesday, and area private schools will soon open their doors as well resulting in a combined total of more than 10,000 children heading to school each day.

“All motorists are reminded to drive with extra care especially around our schools and neighborhoods,” West Hartford Police Lt. Michael Perruccio said in a news release.

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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