Be Cautious Driving Near Schools In Cleveland Heights

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools returned to session Monday. With teachers back at work, and bells ringing, that means drivers will need to utilize extra caution near school zones.

Yard signs will be posted near the district's schools imploring drivers to slow down. Commuters will want to be especially cautious in the morning, when students are heading to school, and in the mid-afternoon, when students are headed home.

Cleveland Heights Police Chief Annette Mecklenburg shared six back-to-school safety tips for drivers in both Cleveland Heights and University Heights. Those tips are below:

1. Slow down! Be cognizant of the flashing yellow lights and watch your speed in school zones.

2. Always come to a complete at a stop sign, checking carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.

3. Always stop when directed to do so by a school crossing guard.

4. Eliminate distractions and keep your eyes on the road at all times.

5. Watch for bicycles. Slow down and allow at least three feet of passing distance between your vehicle and a bicyclist.

6. Be alert for school busses! On two-lane roadways, drivers are required to stop in both directions while a school bus is receiving or discharging passengers. If the roadway is divided in four or more lanes of traffic, while approaching vehicles are not required to stop, those vehicles behind the bus are required to stop.

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