As the school year begins, the Brighton Police Department asks all drivers, parents, and students to exercise extra caution during morning pick-up and afternoon dismissal hours. With increased foot traffic, school buses, and young bicyclists on our roads, staying alert and slowing down is essential to keeping our school zones safe.

Driver Guidelines: Stay Alert in School Zones

• Respect School Zone Speed Limits: Obey reduced speed limits near all Brighton schools. Lower speeds give you vital reaction time if a child steps off the curb unexpectedly.
• Stop for School Buses: State law requires drivers traveling in both directions on roads to stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop arms. Never pass a stopped school bus.
• Yield at Crosswalks & Follow Crossing Guards: Always yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and follow the instructions of station crossing guards and school safety personnel.
• Eliminate Distractions: Put away mobile phones, navigation screens, and other distractions while driving through residential neighborhoods and school zones.
• Exercise Extra Caution When Backing Up: Always check behind your vehicle for children walking or riding bikes before backing out of driveways or parking spaces near schools.

Student & Parent Tips: Safe Walking & Riding

• Use Designated Routes & Crosswalks: Walk on sidewalks whenever available. Cross streets only at designated intersections, marked crosswalks, or under the direction of a crossing guard.
• Make Eye Contact with Drivers: Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of stopped vehicles to ensure they have been seen.
• Wear Reflective Gear & Helmets: Students walking during early morning hours should wear bright or reflective clothing. Bicyclists are required by state law to wear properly fitted helmets.
• Stay Heads-Up: Remind students to keep their eyes up and put away phones or headphones while crossing streets or navigating bus stops.

Enforcement Notice

Brighton Police officers will conduct targeted traffic enforcement in school zones, along bus routes, and near pedestrian crossings throughout the opening weeks of the school year.

The Brighton Police Department wishes all students a safe, successful school year.