The beginning of the school year can be an exciting time for children. With the excitement of school starting
and children preparing to ride a bus for perhaps the first time, some youths may not be fully aware of their surroundings and suddenly dart out into the street.
SIGNS AVAILABLE — The Houlton Police Department is offering a limited number of signs for the public to place to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding. Showing off the different types are HPD members, from left, Lt. Daniel Pelletier, Officer Gary McGuire and Officer Eric Sucy.
The Houlton Police Department wants to remind motorists that they need to stay alert for children crossing intersections, waiting for a bus or exiting a vehicle in front of a school
“Speed is the third leading contributing factor in all traffic crashes, so it is of particular importance that drivers obey speed limits during those times when children are going to and leaving school,” said Houlton Police Chief Butch Asselin. “It takes 69 feet for a vehicle traveling 20 mph to come to a full stop. At 30 mph, the distance needed is 123 feet. Speeding in residential areas represents the single greatest complaint received by police departments nationwide.”
Passing a stopped school bus with its lights flashing is also a crime.
In an effort to promote highway safety, the Houlton Police Department is offering a limited number of signs to people and businesses to post reminding drivers to slow down. The signs were purchased using grant funds and are available at no cost to Houlton residents.
There are three different signs available and each one measures 18 inches by 24 inches. The signs come with metal stakes. The signs read “Keep Kids Alive, Drive 25,” “Be Aware, Drive With Care” and “No Need To Speed.”
Officer Gary McGuire has placed one of the signs on outer Court Street to alert motorists.
“The Houlton Police Department asks for your cooperation in making this school year a safe one for all of our children,” Asselin said.
For more information, please contact the Houlton Police Department at 532-2287.
