City of Wheaton, IL
Wheaton Police to Help Welcome Students Back to School
Many Wheaton schools will begin the new school year on Friday, Aug. 15. As part of the Wheaton Police Department’s back to school safety plan, you will see Wheaton Police Officers at all schools welcoming students and helping ensure everyone arrives to/from school safely. Officers will also be enforcing safe driving around our schools, including school zone speed limits, crosswalks, cell phone use, and stopping for buses.
We need the community’s help to make this a safe and successful school year.
Safety Tips for Students and Parents:
- Ensure students know their address and phone number.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Whenever possible, walk or bike with another person.
- Stay in well-lit areas.
- Limit the use of distracting devices.
- Avoid engaging with or answering questions from strangers.
- If something occurs that makes you feel unsafe, report it immediately to a trusted adult.
- Parents and guardians are encouraged to role play possible situations with students and discuss personal safety and awareness tips.
Pedestrian Safety:
- Cross using marked crosswalks and where crossing guards are stationed when possible.
- Look before you cross and follow the direction of school crossing guards.
- Always walk on designated sidewalks or paths, never along the side of the road.
- See this video with tips from the Wheaton Police Department regarding crossing safety.
Driver Safety
- Obey speed limits and school zones.
- Avoid distracted driving.
- Watch for students walking or on bikes.
- Do not pass a stopped school bus.
- Ensure everyone in a vehicle wears their seatbelt.
- Adhere to the directions of crossing guards to ensure the safety of children and drivers.
Bicycle Safety
- Helmets are required for riders ages 14 and younger but are recommended for ALL riders.
- Keep right and ride with traffic.
- Secure your bike with a lock when not in use.
- Know and follow the rules of the road.
When to Stop for School Buses:
- On a two-lane road, vehicles traveling in both directions MUST stop when a school bus is loading/unloading.
- On a road with 4 or more lanes, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction do not have to stop and may proceed with caution. Vehicles traveling in the same direction as a stopped bus MUST stop.
- On a divided highway (where there is an unpaved space at least 5 feet wide, a raised median or physical barrier), vehicles behind the bus MUST stop. Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction may proceed with caution.
The Wheaton Police Department welcomes back all students to school and wishes you a safe and successful school year.