Rutland County, VT – As students head to and from school this week, the Rutland County Sheriff’s Office is urging parents, children, and drivers to take extra precautions to prevent pedestrian accidents during peak school travel hours.
According to the Rutland County Sheriff’s Office, school-age pedestrians face higher risks in the morning and afternoon as traffic increases near schools, bus stops, and neighborhood streets. Deputies shared a safety reminder emphasizing simple steps that can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
Authorities recommend children use sidewalks whenever possible and always cross streets at marked crosswalks. If sidewalks are unavailable, students are encouraged to walk in well-lit areas where drivers have the clearest view of foot traffic.
The safety message also highlights the importance of situational awareness. Children should look left, right, and left again before crossing streets and avoid distractions such as phones, headphones, or other devices that could prevent them from hearing approaching vehicles.
“Watch the road, not your phone,” the reminder states, reinforcing guidance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which notes that distracted walking is an increasing factor in pedestrian injuries nationwide.
Parents are encouraged to review safe walking routes with their children and remind them never to play, push, or shove near traffic. Drivers are also asked to slow down in school zones, obey posted speed limits, and remain alert for children who may enter the roadway unexpectedly.
Officials say these reminders are especially critical during the first weeks of school, when routines are still adjusting and traffic patterns may change.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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