COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – As a new school year starts next week, pedestrians and drivers are being asked to follow a number of safety tips by the City of Coldwater and the Coldwater Police Department.
If they are available, pedestrians should utilize sidewalks. If there happens to be a road with no sidewalk, pedestrians should always walk on the side of the road that faces traffic. They should also avoid distracted walking as much as possible by staying off of their phone.
Bike riders should stay along the right side of the road and maintain a straight line. They should also be sure to always wear their properly fitting helmets and to walk their bikes when crossing a street.
Students riding the bus should also be sure to exercise caution when entering and exiting the bus. While waiting for the bus, it is good practice to try to maintain six feet of distance from the curb to give the bus driver room as they pull up to the bus stop. When exiting the bus, if a student must cross in front of the bus, they should be sure the bus driver can see them and that they can see the bus driver until they are across the street.
Drivers should be sure to stay alert and stop and yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk when flashers are blinking. Drivers should not block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn.
Pedestrians, especially young children, can be unpredictable. It is important to always stay alert and free of distractions in case a pedestrian unexpectedly darts out onto the street or across a crosswalk.
Drivers should also remember to be patient with school buses.
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