As the school year begins in the Mesa Unified School District on Wednesday, police are reminding motorists - and students walking to school to slow down and be aware in school crossing areas.
In an effort to increase public awareness and keep children safe as the school year returns, the Mesa Police Department will target school zones and surrounding areas with saturated patrols. The increased patrols will begin on Wednesday, the first day of school and will last for the next two weeks, according to police.
The officers' focus during the enforcement period is two-fold: The safety of school children and education of the motoring public.
Mesa police officers will have a "zero-tolerance" policy during this enforcement period, and speeding fines will be doubled.
Younger children often have limited experience with traffic safety and often lack the skills to negotiate traffic safely.
Mesa Police also encourages parents of school-age children to talk with them about traffic safety, to ensure they are aware of the safest route to and from school, and to use the crosswalks near their schools.
School safety tips for students
1. When crossing intersections without signals or crossing guards, children should:
• Stop before stepping into the road
• Stop, look and listen for traffic
• Look in all directions before crossing
• Cross safely when the road is clear
• Walk, don't run, across the road
• Where possible, use the buddy system
2. When crossing intersections with signals, children should:
• Push the pedestrian buttons (where they exist)
• Wait for the pedestrian walk sign
• Stop, look and listen for traffic
• Watch for turning cars or trucks
• Cross safely when the road is clear
• Walk, don't run, across the road
3. When crossing with the assistance of adult crossing guards and student safety patrollers:
• Cross only under the direction of the crossing guard
• Be aware of school zone signage
Safety tips for drivers
• Observe and adhere to school zone speed limits.
• Obey the crossing guard.
• Use caution around school buses.
• Be ready to stop at all times. Children do not always notice oncoming traffic.
• Always try to make eye contact with children waiting to cross the road.
• Be patient and wait for children to cross before proceeding.
• Do not park in "no parking" areas.
Source: Mesa Police Department
