The Putnam Police Department and the Putnam Public Schools have embarked on a back-to-school safety campaign, according to a joint release by Chief of Police Rick L. Hayes and Superintendent of Schools William Hull.  The campaign is titled “We Care Because You Care.”

The theme of the campaign is a reflection of the thinking by the police and school personnel regarding the welfare of the children in the Putnam community.  The joint effort is a reassurance to parents that their children will be carefully watched over to and from school and during school hours.

“September is a hectic time of year.  The end of summer, the Labor Day weekend and the start of school all have people scurrying around with so much to do that they often forget that our kids are back to school.  Our goal is to heighten the safety awareness of drivers and prevent potential tragic situations,” said Hayes.

“We realize that parents have the utmost concern for the safety of their children when they’re not under their direct supervision.  We want to maintain that same type of diligence for the kids of our community,” added Hayes.  

The aim of the campaign is to promote a safe opening to the school year and a reminder to drivers that it’s important to drive cautiously not only around schools but anywhere where children may be walking.  Special attention is being drawn to areas where students are crossing streets and also in the vicinity of the school, where traffic is moving in and out at drop off and pick up times.

“We don’t have to look very far from our community where tragedy struck last year when a teacher was killed by an automobile backing at the school drop off area.  These types of tragedies can be avoided if drivers will just slow down and use caution around schools,” said Hull.

Drivers are also encouraged to drive free of distractions, especially using cell phones and texting.  Putnam Police are maintaining a diligent watch for distracted drivers, especially those individuals who are texting or using cell phones while driving.  The superintendent also noted that speed limits are reduced in school zones for a reason.

“Even though children are reminded to look both ways and be careful when crossing intersections, they often are in a rush and forget safety rules.  Our kids are our future and it’s our responsibility to make sure they are safe at all times,” said Hull.

As a final reminder, Hayes and Hull note that school buses are on the road from early morning into the evening hours.  Drivers must be alert to students embarking and disembarking these vehicles.  They are cautioned that it’s illegal to pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights.

“Putnam is a wonderful community where we all care about our citizens, especially our school aged kids.  Let’s all be careful behind the wheel, not only at the start of school, but also throughout the year.  And remember ‘We Care Because You Care,’” said Hayes.