Summer is over and it’s back to school time! In an effort to keep the new school year fun and safe, the Town of Miami Lakes asks that parents and children/students, and school staff and teachers, follow these simple guidelines when traveling to and from school:
• Walk with your children to school. Walking to school promotes a healthy lifestyle, saves gas and time, and reduces traffic congestion around the school for everyone. If your school has an assigned crossing guard(s), identify the areas as you walk with your child.
• Obey all posted speed signs. Slow down when entering 15 MPH School Speed Zones. Police will enforce this! Look closely at the signs showing hours of activation.
• Use the drop-off and pick-up areas provided at the school when driving your child to school. Do not park your vehicle in these areas as this will slow traffic and inconvenience other parents.
• If you must park your vehicle, please use the designated areas only. Do not block residential driveways or sidewalks as you will be ticketed.
• Buckle Up! Ensure that all occupants of the vehicle, especially children, are always buckled up. Children must be secured in proper child safety seats and/or booster chairs, if applicable. The State of Florida Primary Seat Belt Law requires everyone (adults and children) to buckle up. Fines are $129 per person per infraction. If a child (under the age of 18) is seen not wearing a seat belt, the driver will also be ticketed $179.
• Pedestrian Safety Tips: Always STOP at the curb/edge, and LOOK LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT before crossing a street. Always use designated crosswalks and pedestrian signals, when available, making sure to follow all signal instructions. Do not cross mid-block between intersections, unless there is a designated crosswalk. Do not cross in front of a vehicle unless you know for sure the driver clearly sees you.
• Be Safe...Be Seen: When walking or bike riding, wear bright colors during the day. During dawn, dusk and night times, use lights and/or reflective clothing so you are more visible to drivers. Backpacks should have reflective materials on them. Carry a flashlight.