Brookfield Police Urge Drivers to Watch for Kids as School Year Begins

According to the Brookfield Police Department, it’s time to put the summer vacation mindset away because Brookfield kids are officially heading back to school. The first day of classes begin today, Thursday, August 27, which means there are about to be a whole lot more buses, backpacks and parents trying to get somewhere on time.

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With school back in session, the Brookfield Police Department is reminding drivers that the morning commute is about to look a little different. Their biggest message is pretty simple: slow down, pay attention and remember that everyone is sharing the road.

Drivers should be especially careful around school zones and bus stops, where kids can suddenly appear in places you might not expect. If you come across a school bus that has stopped and is displaying its required signals, make sure you stop as required by law. And maybe this is a good time to put the phone down, too. That text, email or social media notification can wait.

Police are also encouraging drivers to give themselves some extra time in the morning. The roads may be more crowded than they have been during the summer, and rushing through traffic isn't exactly a great way to start the school year.

Students and parents have some responsibility here as well. Police are encouraging pedestrians to stick to sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible and to look both ways before crossing. Everyone should also remain alert around moving vehicles and school buses.

Basically, the goal is for everyone to make it to school safely and eventually make it back home.

The reminder is part of a larger back-to-school safety effort supported by the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee and the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

So welcome back, Brookfield. The homework may be returning, but so are the school buses. Slow down, pay attention and let's make sure everybody has a safe school year.