Schools Open – Drive Carefully
The Port Jervis City Police Department is urging parents to review important safety tips with their children as they prepare to return to school. On Thursday, September 3rd, hundreds of students will be walking to and from school and school bus stops—many for the first time. All motorists share the responsibility of exercising extra caution during this busy time of year to help keep our young students safe.
Each year, hundreds of children are tragically killed in motor‑vehicle collisions, and thousands more are seriously injured. Children are at increased risk during the back‑to‑school period because they are often excited about seeing friends and meeting new teachers, which can distract them from watching for cars and trucks. Many children may also be anxious or nervous as they attend school for the first time.
To help enhance safety, the Port Jervis City Police Department will deploy our dedicated School Crossing Guards at the following times and locations:
Port Jervis Middle School (Grades 6–8)
Crossing Guard Posts: 7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Locations:
- Kingston Avenue and Hamilton Street
- Kingston Avenue and Culvert Street
East Main Street Elementary School (Grades K-5)
Crossing Guard Posts: 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Locations:
- East Main Street and Kingston Avenue
- East Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to review the following pedestrian safety reminders with children, provided by AAA of New York:
- Look both ways before crossing the street.
- Cross only at corners and designated crosswalks.
- Obey police officers, school crossing guards, and traffic signals.
- Watch for turning vehicles.
- Be extra alert during bad weather.
- Do not run or play near traffic.
Motorists:
- Drive cautiously and obey all posted school‑zone speed limits.
- Avoid distractions—keep your eyes on the road and stay off electronic devices. Do not text while driving.
- Watch for pedestrians and bikes: Yield to people at crosswalks, look out for student cyclists, and check blind spots, sidewalks, and driveways carefully before backing up.
Port Jervis City Police Officers will conduct targeted traffic‑enforcement details over the next several weeks. Officers will be strictly enforcing laws related to speeding in school zones, distracted driving, pedestrian right‑of‑way in crosswalks, and all laws requiring vehicles to stop for school buses loading or discharging children.
Reduced Speed Limits in School Zones
Reduced‑speed school zones are located in the following areas:
- Hamilton Street near the Port Jervis High School
- Kingston Avenue at the entrance to the Port Jervis Middle School (former Anna S. Kuhl Elementary School campus)
- East Main Street at the new East Main Elementary School (former Port Jervis Middle School)
These enforcement efforts are supported by grant funding from the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee’s Police Traffic Services (PTS) Grant, which is designed to improve pedestrian and motorist safety and reduce traffic‑related accidents.
Please help us keep our children safe. Thank you for your cooperation and continued supPORT.
