Officials urge caution urge caution with school opening next week

WARWICK — This time each year, children head back to school, and every year, motorists must adjust driving patterns and routines accordingly.
So what’s different about this year?
Last May, Warwick voters approved a measure that will result in more consolidated bus stops town-wide. Beginning this September, drivers will see more numerous groups of children walking to and waiting at common bus stops. That makes it especially important this year for drivers to be alert as children head back to school.
The first day of school for sixth and ninth graders is Thursday, Sept. 6. School opens for all students on Friday, Sept. 7.
With the beginning of school just around the corner, Warwick school, town and village officials have launched a “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” campaign.
Drivers are urged to use extra caution on the road as school starts and throughout the school year. Some safety tips for motorists:

Reduce speed in a residential area. There is more to be aware of in these areas such as parked cars, playgrounds, and children walking to and from school or waiting at bus stops.
Obey the reduced speed limit in school zones. Failure to adhere to the school zone speed limit could result in points on the operator’s driving record, a fine, court costs and administrative fees.
Interact safely with school buses. Passing a stopped school bus is a dangerous, illegal, and could result in a violation with fines ranging from $250 for a first offense up to a maximum of $1,000 for a third offense.
Any vehicle meeting a stopped school bus with flashing red signal lights is warned to stop at least 20 feet before reaching the school bus and not proceed until the flashing red signals are no longer actuated. The red signals will flash and the stop arm will be extended until the students have reached a safe location.
Yellow signal lights on a school bus are used to alert motorists to be prepared to stop for the red signal.
Traffic must stop in all directions at an intersection, privately maintained road, or a divided highway if a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing.
Look for pedestrians at all intersections: signals, stop signs and roundabouts.
Stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Remember that there is a crosswalk at the intersection of any two streets, whether marked or not.
Look for pedestrians when turning right on a red light or left across oncoming lanes of traffic.
Use caution when passing another vehicle stopped at an intersection. They may be stopped for a pedestrian you can’t see.
Avoid distractions when you’re driving, like eating or talking on a cell phone.