ORPD in second day of Operation Safe Start, helping to keep schools safe

 

Oak Ridge students returned to school on Monday, August 3, and the Oak Ridge Police Department kicked off Operation Safe Start, an effort to keep schools zones safe during arrival and dismissal.

“It’s back to school time and ORPD reminds the community that when it comes to the safety of our youth, there can be no margin for error,” Oak Ridge Police Chief Jim Akagi said. “Motorists are urged to drive safely in all school zones, especially during arrival and dismissal times. The beginning of the school year is a time when there is a greater risk of transportation-related injuries to children.”

Operation Safe Start continued on Tuesday morning. Akagi said it includes participation from every division of the Police Department.

“I joined our officers on Safe Start today (Monday),” Akagi said. “All told, there were approximately 20 officers working the cities to keep our school zones safe during arrival and dismissal—no doubt you saw the blue lights if you were out at these times.

Officers are enforcing 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 right-of-way (especially in crosswalks), fail to comply with seat belt laws, and demonstrate distracted driving behavior, such as texting while driving. Please remember—driving safely is one decision we can all make our highest priority this time of year—for the sake of our kids!”

More information will be added as it becomes available.

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