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Chief reminds motorists that children are back on the streets

WEIRTON — With the school year beginning throughout the Ohio Valley, Weirton’s police chief is issuing an appeal to all motorists and parents to practice caution.

“Motorists should be alert and drive carefully at all times,” Chief Rob Alexander stated. “However, we should be more careful during the transition from summer vacation to school.”

Mayor Harold Miller also struck a tone of caution for the beginning of the school year.

“As our children and grandchildren go back to school this week, let us all make their safety our priority,” Miller said. “Please drive carefully and be aware our law enforcement officers will not tolerate school bus stop or crosswalk violations.”

Alexander urges extra caution when approaching children standing or walking along the roadway, and to expect the possibility of children running in any direction. He said children don’t always understand the danger they may be in while waiting for a ride to school.

Parents need to familiarize their children with the route to their bus stop, Alexander said, taking the time to walk the route with them and point out any potential hazards. Parents also should instruct their children to not linger on their way to or from school, and should talk to them about avoiding strangers, he said.

“Past tragedies teach us that many pedestrian accidents happen when someone steps out from between cars,” Alexander noted. “We can avoid this by driving as if we expect it to happen, and by parents teaching their children to cross the streets in proper areas.”

Students in Brooke County began returning to school last week, with Hancock County’s first day set for Thursday.

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