Back to School Parking/Driving Tips Courtesy of Heneghan’s Dunwoody Blog

Monday is the first day of school in Dunwoody so please excercise great patience for all involved.

Monday is the first day of school for the DeKalb County School System, therefore for hundreds of Children this will be their first day of a new school and for their Parents, it will be a right of passage that will be documented with photos and maybe a tear.  Please take it slow & easy on the roads this week and above all please be patient & kind for those experiencing this special first week of school.

Elementary school starts about 7:30 so please don’t be passing Chesnut on North Peachtree, Austin on Roberts or Dunwoody Elementary on Womack around this time unless you really have to!

Peachtree Middle School starts about 8:30 so again stay away from North Peachtree around this time if you can help it.

Dunwoody High starts at 8:00 am, so it is expected that Vermack and Womack will be a nightmare at 7:30.   PS – If your Sophomore or Junior plans on driving, please have them explore parking at St. Lukes on Mt. Vernon by picking up an application in the office.

I am guessing the Dunwoody Police will be out in force for the start of school, so please keep it slow and obey the traffic/parking regulations.

Thanks!!!

Tips for Motorists

  • Be alert for school speed zones and obey the posted speed limits.
  • Watch for school buses. Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm indicate the school bus is stopping to load or unload children. State law requires you to stop.
  • Keep an eye out for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks.
  • Be alert for children playing and gathering near bus stops, as well as those who may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
  • When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking or riding a bicycle.
  • When driving in neighborhoods or school zones, watch for young people who may be in a hurry to get to school and may not be thinking about getting there safely.
  • Leave early enough to not be passing an elementary school near the starting time of 7:30 / 7:45; the students need to be there then – you do not.

Tips for Parents

  • Be a good role model. Always buckle up in the car, always wear a helmet when biking, and always follow pedestrian safety rules. DO NOT text or talk on the phone while driving.
  • Supervise young children as they are walking to school, biking to school or as they wait at the school bus stop.
  • Have your children wear bright clothing so motorists can easily see them.
  • Make sure your child is properly buckled up in a weight-appropriate child safety seat in the back seat.
  • Make sure that your teenage driver understands and obeys all state traffic laws.
  • Allow lots of extra time the first several weeks of school as everyone is learning a new routine.