‘Try and limit their distractions’: Fresno County law enforcement caution parents, drivers, as school begins

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Many Central Valley kids head back to school on Monday.

Whether they are a parent or just headed to work, Fresno and Clovis law enforcement ask drivers to be mindful of the little ones as they make their way to school.

Clovis Police Department Office Joel Kellow advises drivers to give themselves extra time in the morning in the case of congestion, watch their speed, and limit distractions.

“Meaning cell phones, makeup, eating while driving, that sort of stuff, and also always wear your seatbelt,” Kellom said.

That way, the driver’s full attention is on the road -but that goes for the students as well.

“No phones for kids walking to school, try and limit their distractions as well. No AirPods, try and keep their head up and see what’s around them and watching the road,” said Fresno School Resource Officer, Cynthia Jacobo.

For those sending their children to school on a bike, Jacobo recommends making sure they have the right safety equipment.

“I highly recommend that they have helmets in the appropriate size helmets,” Jacobo said.

Next week, Fresno and Clovis police will have extra officers around the school districts to help with traffic and people’s safety.

Jacobo reminds students to use the crosswalks and make eye contact with the driver before they cross.

“Every school has a designated crosswalk in front of the school and normally they have a crossing guard there ready to help the kids cross the street safely.”

Those driving through a school zone need to make sure they follow the posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour -or they could face a citation.

Drivers could also be cited if they do not stop when a school bus driver puts up a stop sign.

“If a bus is arriving at a school and they have their stop sign and the red flashes display, that means that you have to stop, that doesn’t mean to go around them, even if you’re in a hurry,” Jacobo said.

Parents and/or guardians sending their kids to school for the first time are advised to make sure the kids are familiar with their path to and from school.

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