Message from the Chief
Message from the Chief:
Labor Day, celebrated the first Monday in September, was created by the labor movement and is dedicated to American workers' social and economic achievements. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to workers' contributions to our country's strength, prosperity, and well-being.
Therefore, it is appropriate that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership - the American worker.
On Labor Day, we honor the hard work of all those who drive our economy, provide for our families, and help ensure the success and well-being of our nation.
Since many workers receive a well-deserved Monday off, the Labor Day holiday is traditionally considered the last big weekend of the summer. It's prime time for one last trip to the lake or river, one more backyard barbeque, or the final campout of the season.
If you plan on traveling during the holiday weekend, always follow traffic laws, never drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and be mindful of your surroundings.
If you participate in water activities such as swimming, boating, or floating, please wear a life jacket and follow boating safety laws. Swim with a buddy, keep sight of children playing in the water, and never operate a watercraft while intoxicated.
For more information about the History of Labor Day, please visit the United States Department of Labor [https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history]
We hope you enjoy the Labor Day holiday and celebrate responsibly!
TRAFFIC SAFETY
As school busses are back on the road and some teens have begun driving for the new school year, the Parsons Police Department wants to remind you to use extra caution.
Many students rely on school buses to get to and from school safely. Plan for and be aware of school bus routes in your neighborhood and throughout your daily travel. Ensure you allow plenty of time and space for students to enter and exit buses. As always, when approaching a school zone or school bus on the road, be prepared to stop for bus and pedestrian traffic.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has the following tips on School Bus Safety.
If you are driving, remember to:
- Always be cautious and watch for children around school arrival and dismissal times, particularly in the mornings or mid-afternoon.
- Be alert as you back out of a driveway or drive through a neighborhood, school zone, or bus stop.
- Slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle when you see yellow flashing lights indicating the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children.
- Stop your vehicle and remain stopped when you see red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicating the bus has stopped, and children are getting on or off. You may start driving again when the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving.
Help and remind your child to:
- Always look left-right-left for cars before crossing a street.
- Always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals you to board or exit.
- Arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
- Face forward after finding a seat on the bus.
For more information on School Bus Safety, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
To help keep your teen safe behind the wheel, make sure to talk to your teen about the rules and responsibilities involved in driving.
Remember that your teen looks to you as a driver, so be a good role model and practice safe driving yourself.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has the following tips on Teen Driving.
Help and remind your teen to:
- Always buckle up and make sure your passengers do to.
- Always keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and mind on the task of driving.
- Follow the posted speed limit and obey all traffic signs.
- Limit the number of passengers in the vehicle.
- Never drive impaired.
For more information on Teen Driving, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [[https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving]]
Thank you for driving safely as our kids go back to school!
Chief Robert Spinks
Parsons Police Department
