🚔 Back-to-School Traffic Safety Reminder from the Santa Rosa Police Department 📚

As students across Santa Rosa head back to campus, the Santa Rosa Police Department is reminding everyone to slow down, stay alert, and help make the new school year a safe one for our students, parents, and school staff. With thousands of students returning to classrooms, you'll see increased activity around schools as children walk, ride their bikes, and are dropped off and picked up throughout the day.

Safety Tips for Parents and Students
✅ Make sure children riding bicycles wear properly fitted helmets.
✅ Talk with your children about staying alert near roadways and using crosswalks safely.
✅ Encourage students to walk with friends or siblings whenever possible.
✅ Look both ways before crossing and avoid distractions such as phones or headphones when near traffic.

Safety Reminders for Drivers
🚗 Expect heavier traffic around schools, especially during drop-off and dismissal times.
🚗 Consider alternate routes, when possible, to avoid congestion in school zones.
🚗 Slow down, remain patient, and allow extra travel time during the first few weeks of school.
🚗 Put the phone away. Distracted driving puts everyone at risk and using a handheld device while driving is against the law.
🚗 Remember: When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing, drivers approaching from either direction must stop.

Increased Traffic Enforcement
Beginning this week, SRPD Traffic Officers will be conducting enhanced enforcement in and around elementary, middle, and high school zones throughout the city. Officers will be focusing on violations that put students at risk, including:
• Speeding in school zones
• Crosswalk and pedestrian violations
• Distracted driving and cell phone use
• Seat belt violations

The start of a new school year is an exciting time for students and families. By working together and making safety a priority, we can help ensure every child gets to and from school safely.

Have a great school year, Santa Rosa! 🎒🍎🚸

#SRPD #BackToSchool #TrafficSafety #SchoolZoneSafety #DriveSafeSantaRosa #VisionZero