NEWS RELEASE
DIVISION OF POLICE • COLUMBUS, OHIO
KIMBERLEY K. JACOBS • CHIEF OF POLICE
For Immediate Release:
For further information, Contact:
Sergeant Rich Weiner at (614) 645-4593
Public Information Office
August 26, 2015
MA# 67-2015
Lesson of the Day; Slow Down or Pay
With the start of a new school year, the Columbus Division of Police will begin strict
enforcement of the posted speed limits in school zones. Officers will patrol school zones for
speeders and aggressive drivers during the morning and afternoon hours when the 20 mph speed
limit is in effect.
It is important for drivers in or near school zones to be mindful to traffic laws and stay alert for
the presence of children. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic are usually heavy in the vicinity of
school zones. Drivers should be watching for children crossing the street and walking along the
roadway. Young children are vulnerable due to their limited sight distance as well as being
inexperienced crossing roadways.
Tips for dropping off students and driving through school zones:
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Refrain from using cell phones or checking e-mail.
Watch for children crossing the road as they may be easily blocked from your view due
to their height.
Plan ahead. If you know you will be traveling through a school zone during your
commute, allow for extra time incase you encounter heavy traffic and school bus drop
off points.
If you are dropping your child off at school, have your child exit the vehicle on the curb
side only.
Parents are encouraged to discuss the rules for crossing the roadway with their children.
If possible, take your child to the drop-off area and practice crossing at an off-peak time.
Have your child wear his/her backpack and walk him/her through what to look for, what
to do and what not to do.
If crossing guards are utilized, explain their purpose and how your child must wait for
approval to cross. If possible, have younger children practice roadway crossing with you
since they learn better by performing an action instead of having an action described to
them. Familiarity and repetition are the best guidelines for ensuring child safety.
-more-
NEWS RELEASE
DIVISION OF POLICE • COLUMBUS, OHIO
KIMBERLEY K. JACOBS • CHIEF OF POLICE
Drivers are also reminded to familiarize themselves with the laws applicable to school buses:
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As a general rule, drivers approaching a school bus with flashing lights activated may
NOT pass while the bus is picking up or dropping off students. Traffic laws vary
depending on the number of lanes of the roadway.
Drivers must stop at least 10 feet from the front or rear of the bus when the flashing
lights are activated while picking up and/or letting students off the bus.
Those violating these laws will face a mandatory court appearance, possible suspension
of their driver’s license and may be fined up to $500.
Let’s work together to keep our children safe. Remember – slow down and be watchful of
children making their way to and from school.
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