08/20/2023
School starts back in Roane County on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. The City of Spencer Police Department would like to extend the following school safety tips:
For drivers:
* Buckle Up, Phone Down. These four words are never more important than during the school year. Looking away from the roadway to send a text message increases the chance of being involved in a crash. Avoid using a cellphone or doing any other activity that might take attention away from the roadway. Set a good example for young passengers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled in.
* Expect the unexpected. When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school. Remember, children in groups or who are arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
* Do not pass. It is a state law that vehicles in both lanes must stop when a school bus has its red warning lights flashing and the stop sign is extended.
* Slow down. Watch for school zones with reduced speed limits. Law enforcement will be conducting focused patrols near schools to ensure the safety of those walking to and from school.
*School zone speed limit. There is a 15 MPH speed limit in school zones when children are present. Please use caution.
For students:
Parents and caregivers should talk to children about bus-stop and traffic-safety rules. Here are a few tips:
* Always stay in sight of the bus driver. Make eye contact when possible. Assume drivers cannot see you and never walk behind a school bus.
* Don’t hurry off the bus. Make sure to check for traffic first.
* Use sidewalks where available. If you must walk in the street, walk single file facing traffic.
* Be alert. Avoid using cellphones, ear buds and hand-held games, as they can be a distraction.
* Use caution. When crossing a street — in a crosswalk or at a corner — look left, then right, then left again. Wait until all cars are stopped or the road is clear before stepping out — that means all cars in all lanes in all directions.