The Oak Ridge Police Department will begin Operation Safe Start on Monday, the first day of school.
The ORPD asked motorists to drive safely in and around school zones, especially during arrival and dismissal times. Every division of the Police Department will be used to strictly enforce traffic ordinances in and around school zones, a press release said.
“The beginning of the school year is a time when there is a greater risk of transportation-related injuries to children,” the press release said. “When it comes to the safety of our youth, there can be no margin for error. The well-being of our children is one of the highest of priorities at the Oak Ridge Police Department.”
The press release said the Tennessee Highway Patrol motor squad, along with marked units, will partner with the ORPD this year. Officers will be assigned to enforce all traffic laws and ordinances, and will be targeting drivers who exceed posted speed limits in school zones, drive past school bus warning devices (flashing lights with stop arms), ignore pedestrian rights-of-way (especially in crosswalks), fail to comply with seat belt laws, and demonstrate distracted driving behavior, such as texting while driving.
The Police Department offered the following tips for motorists:
- Slow down. Observe the speed limit in school zones at all times.
- Be especially careful when driving on neighborhood streets in and around school zones. Always expect the unexpected.
- Be alert for youngsters walking to and from school zones as you back out of your driveway or leave your garage.
- Watch for children on bicycles, especially at intersections and driveways.
- Stop your car when you see lights flashing on a school bus. Red flashing lights indicate that the bus is stopped and students are loading or disembarking. Do not proceed until the red lights stop flashing and the roadway is clear. Be aware that a child may dash across the street.
- Always remember, pedestrians have the right-of-way.
Leave a Reply