With the arrival of another school year, Jacksonville Police Department wants to remind motorists to be extra cautious when traveling in school areas.
Watch for children and school buses and be prepared for extended commuting times due to school buses and school activities.
“During the first several weeks of school, there is a marked increase in traffic on roadways near schools. Whether transporting children to school or just traveling on city roadways, allow more time for your daily commute” said Lieutenant Sean Magill, Supervisor of JPD’s Field Operations Division.
Parents transporting students to school can help by planning their daily route ahead of time, especially if they are new to the area or school. Allow more time by leaving home earlier for the first several weeks of classes to avoid heavy traffic. Most importantly, teach your children the safety rules to enter and leave school.
Jacksonville Police will aggressively enforce all traffic regulations in school areas to ensure the safety of our children. Non-compliance with traffic regulations can result in expensive fines. “Speeding in a school zone is a $250 fine, plus court costs” said Magill.
Lieutenant Sean Magill stated, “Passing a stopped school bus will result in a mandatory court appearance and is very costly in consideration of license points and insurance increases. The General Assembly passed legislation that increases the minimum fine to $500 and striking a child while passing a stopped school bus is an automatic felony.”
“We want to remind all drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists to be extra cautious in our school zones.” stated Mike Yaniero, Director of Public Safety. “The safety of our children is the priority.”