As summer draws to a close, families across Maine are wrapping up their seasonal activities and vacations while preparing for the start of a new school year. As students return to the classroom, the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety reminds motorists that one of the most important steps they can take to keep children safe is to slow down.

With the start of a new school year, thousands of students will once again be walking to bus stops, crossing streets, riding bicycles, and traveling to and from school each morning and afternoon. This increased activity on the roadway makes it essential for every driver to stay alert, reduce speed, and eliminate distractions behind the wheel. 

Even a few extra miles per hour can make a critical difference in a driver’s ability to stop safely and avoid a collision. School zones exist to protect children, and reduced speed limits are in place for this very reason. When school is back in session, slowing down isn't just the law—it's one of the simplest ways to help keep students safe. School bells signal learning, not speeding, so slow down Maine, safety starts behind the wheel.

Motorists in Maine are urged to:

 Slow down in and around school zones.

 Stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm.

 Watch carefully for children crossing streets.

 Put phones away and avoid distractions while driving. 

 Allow extra travel time to avoid rushing.

“Every child deserves to arrive at school and return home safely,” said Lauren Stewart, Director of the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety. “Taking a few extra seconds behind the wheel can save a life. We encourage every driver to make safety a high priority this school year. The speed limit isn’t a suggestion, it’s there to protect children.”

Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to talk with children about pedestrian safety, including using designated crosswalks, looking both ways before crossing the street, and staying alert near roadways.

As the final days of summer give way to a new school year, communities across Maine will soon welcome students back to the classroom. Keeping them safe is a responsibility we all share. Whether you're driving through a busy town, a neighborhood, or a rural community, children may be walking to school or waiting at bus stops. Every decision you make behind the wheel matters. Maine’s roads connect our communities—and they also connect our families. As you prepare your back-to-school checklist, remember to slow down, stay alert, and help keep our students safe every mile of the journey.