Posted on September 02, 19104 at 17:08:46:
(Sept. 2, 2004) Takoma Park Police will be focusing on enforcement of traffic laws designed for student safety, through the end of October. The initiative, under review of the COP Team and its supervisor Sgt. Kurt Gilbert, will emphasize enforcement of speed limits in school zones, stop signs, and rules related to respecting school bus and crossing guard direction.
Motorists are reminded that flashing lights in a school zone indicate a speed limit of 15 mph, with the penalty for a violation going from $100 and 1 point to $1,200 and 5 points on a license.
Motorists are required to stop at least 20 feet from a school bus that is stopped with flashing lights. Passing a stopped bus with flashing lights incurs a fine of $270 and 2 points against the motorist’s license.
Due to the number of student pedestrians and bikers, motorists are reminded to come to a complete stop at signals and crosswalks. Extra care in making a right-on-red is important.
Both motorists and pedestrians are reminded that failing to obey the directions of a school crossing guard is the same violation as ignoring a stop sign or other traffic control device. Parents driving their children to school should pay attention to the guards’ directions, which are designed to safeguard students and move traffic as efficiently as possible.
Parents should take time to remind their children of safe walking rules: cross only at marked cross walks, do not enter the road from between parked cars, and look both ways before crossing. Pedestrians should enter a crosswalk only when an approaching vehicle has enough time to stop and give right-of-way to the walker. Because few children have the experience to make that judgement, children should cross with a crossing guard, signal light or adult, whenever possible.
Students using bikes or scooters to commute should be reminded to follow all traffic signals and rules. All children under 18 must wear a bicycle helmet when riding or being carried on a bicycle on a public street or bike path.