As parents and students get ready to return to school this week, the Blue Ash Police Department extends a friendly reminder to drivers to follow safety precautions on the roadways.

During this week and next, Blue Ash police officers will be strategically stationed around the City, near school parking lots and in school zones, to remind residents of the lower speed limits, and to heighten awareness of children on sidewalks.

“We want to be visible to remind parents, motorists and everyone in our community that our children’s safety is a priority for us.  We will have officers present in the school zones during the morning and afternoon traffic patterns.  Our objective is to remind drivers to drive slowly when children are present and to remember bus safety rules,” said Blue Ash Police Chief Paul Hartinger.

The Blue Ash Police Department asks drivers to review these back- to-school safety tips:

• Never pass a school bus from behind while it’s loading or unloading children. Drivers must stop (at least 10 feet from the front or the rear of the bus) if the lights on the bus are flashing and the stop arm is extended.
• Always follow the speed limit in school zones and stop for the school resource officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign.
• Be alert and check for pedestrians, bicyclists, and new or inexperienced drivers while on the road and near schools.
• If you’re dropping a student off, make sure to drop off on the same side of the road as the school. Don’t double park.
• Exercise caution when putting your car in reverse. Check your blind spots for children on the sidewalk, in the driveway and around your vehicle before slowly backing up.