Officials, officers give tips for first day of school
With the new school year set to begin Monday, officials with the Bryant School District and the Benton Police Department are asking parents and others drivers to keep some safety tips in mind.
These leaders ask drivers to leave early and slow down as students are their way to school or on the way home after school. They also ask drivers to be patient as everyone learns traffic patterns.
“I would like to remind everyone of a few things for the upcoming school year. First and foremost, please be patient and give yourself plenty of wiggle room for arriving at your destination on time. The first couple of weeks, everyone is adjusting to new schedules and traffic patterns,” said Lt. Quinton Jackson, of the Benton Police Department.
In the Benton School District, Jackson said Caldwell Elementary School traffic will “be a unique challenge,” but there will be people available to assist.
He also noted that “afternoon pick-up times are the busiest with regard to traffic. Again, please be patient, courteous and considerate as we all want our students to get home safely. These tips will apply year-round but are of particular importance as we all adjust to changes. Never hesitate to reach out to your child’s school resource officer with concerns or Benton Police Department in general,” Jackson added.
Bryant School District officials also wanted to remind drivers that state law prohibits all motorists from using a mobile phone while in a school zone or passing a school building when children are present. This includes both talking and texting. Parents should be aware of this law especially during drop off and pick up.
“We appreciate your cooperation as we work to ensure a safer environment for our children,” said Devin Sherrill, spokesperson for the Bryant School District. Jackson shared a similar tip.
“Please be mindful of pedestrian traffic around the schools and make sure you are not on your phone in school zones, as all children (and adults) can be distracted and not pay full attention when crossing the street,” Jackson added.