Denver Police to Provide School Traffic Safety Tips

Denver Police to Provide School Traffic Safety Tips

Published on August 13, 2025

DPD Encourages Motorists to Drive Safely Around Schools and be Mindful of the Increase in Young Pedestrians and Cyclists

Denver - Wednesday, August 13, 2025 - With Denver Public Schools starting school Monday, the Denver Police Department will have a Denver Police Traffic Officer available for school traffic safety interviews tomorrow, August 14, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Who: Denver Police Department Traffic Officer

What: Denver Police officer providing back-to-school traffic safety tips.

When: 9:00 - 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 14

Where: Polaris Elementary School at 410 Park Avenue West

More: DPD offers the following safety tips and information for families and students.

On Monday, August 18, 2025, students throughout Denver will be returning to classes as Denver Public Schools begin a new academic year. Denver Police want to remind motorists to drive safely, since the new school year also brings an increase in bicycle and pedestrian traffic - including small children - around bus stops, schools and surrounding neighborhoods.

The Denver Police Department will increase officer visibility in school zones and conduct enforcement, as necessary, to help ensure safety and remind commuters to slow down and obey all traffic laws.

Also, new this year, unless there is a raised median or barrier between traffic lanes, all directions of traffic must stop for school buses while the "stop" arm is extended from the school bus.

Tips for Drivers:

• Slow down, watch for children and obey all traffic laws and speed limits - especially in school zones.
• Stop for school busses that are loading or unloading children.
• Watch for and obey signals from school crossing guards.
• Do not pass other vehicles in school zones or at crosswalks as stopped vehicles may be allowing children to cross the road.
• Do not change lanes or make U-turns in school zones.
• Do not text, use a cell phone or be distracted while driving.

Tips for Students/Families:

• Parents of younger students who ride a school bus should consider escorting their children to and from their bus stop.
• Children should not stand or play in the roadway while waiting for or exiting a school bus.
• Students who ride the bus should follow all safety rules and avoid distracting the driver.
• Students who walk should do so in a group, when possible, and follow pedestrian laws.
• Cross streets only at crosswalks and follow the directions given by school crossing guards.
• Students should look both directions before entering the roadway or parking lot to ensure it is safe to walk or ride.
• Students who ride a bike or scooter should wear a helmet and follow all safety rules for bicyclists.
• Walk - don't ride - a bicycle across streets and only in designated crosswalks.
• Students who drive to school should avoid speeding and minimize distractions from cell phone usage, eating, loud music or disruptive passengers.
• Never overload a vehicle. Remember that every passenger must use a safety belt, or if required, a child safety seat.

• Police Department