A message from the Rochester Police Department:

With the first day of school for most Rochester students approaching, it is that time of year again to be more vigilant and to adjust your driving habits.

Students will be walking to and from school, crossing in crosswalks, getting on/off the bus, and traffic will be more congested and slower in school zones during drop-off and pick-up hours.

All drivers should be mindful of school zones and school bus safety, as drivers haven’t had to navigate school bus drop-offs, pick-ups, or kids walking to and from school these last few months. Now is the time to refresh your memory.

Here are some school zone driving safety tips to keep in mind:

• Be aware of school zone signals and always obey the speed limits.
• When entering a school zone, be sure to slow down and obey all of the traffic laws.
• Always stop for school buses that are loading or unloading children.
• Watch out for school crossing guards and obey their signals.
• Be aware of and watch out for children near schools, bus stops, sidewalks, the streets, in a school parking lot, and more.
• Never pass other vehicles while driving in a school zone.
• Never change lanes while driving in a school zone.
• Never make U-Turns while driving in a school zone.
• Never text while driving, and remember that NH has a completely hands-free-while-driving law.
• Unless licensed to do so, never use handicapped or emergency vehicle lanes or spaces to drop off or pick up children at school.

Your attention to active red bus signals and stop signs, your speed, crosswalks, and your surroundings is paramount and helps keep Rochester students safe.