To the Editor:
First, we in the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office hope everyone had a safe and happy summer.
It is that time of year for all children to return to school, and as your sheriff, I am submitting the following information to all residents of Hudson County to assist in ensuring the safety of all children as they return back to the classrooms.
Back to school days are exciting times for all children, parents, and teachers as the new term begins. Sometimes in all of the excitement, it is easy to overlook the day-to-day hazards that go along with traveling to school, especially for the younger students. Whether a child walks, rides in a school bus, travels in a vehicle or by bicycle, it is important to remember the safety issues. The statistics indicate that the majority of deaths and injuries occur while using a school bus, not as a result of a bus crash, but occur when students enter or exit the bus.
All children, when using a school bus, should line up facing the school bus door, not on the side of the bus; never play in the street while waiting for the bus; never reach or crawl under the bus to get anything that has rolled or fallen underneath; and after getting off the bus, wait for the driver or aide to signal you across the street and never cross the street behind the school bus. For the walkers, try not to walk alone and pay attention to all traffic signals when crossing the street. For those to ride to school in a car, always wear your seatbelt and go right from the car to the sidewalk. All drivers need to slow down and be wary of children who might dart out into the street near the school zones, playgrounds, or bus stops. Always abide by the law and stop for school busses that are loading or unloading children, maintain the prescribed speed in the school zones, and be observant for the school safety guards and patrol safety members.
We in the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office will work together with the local police departments to ensure that every child in the county is safe and happy for this new school year.
JUAN M. PEREZ
Sheriff of Hudson County