School Zone Safety Reminder

posted August 29, 2014 – 9:21am

A message from the MPD's Traffic Enforcement Safety Team

It’s that time of year again! For many of us, it is just another work day after the long Labor Day weekend. But for many, September 2nd, 2014 is the first day of school for Madison Area students. The Madison Police Department would like to welcome back all the students, teachers and parents back from what was a hopefully fun filled summer. As we begin the school year, we would like to remind drivers of School Zone Safety and ask that they:

Slow down and obey school zone speed limits
Watch for crossing guards and please follow their directions
Yield to pedestrians who are crossing the street
Be aware of children present in the area
Obey posted parking restrictions and park your vehicle accordingly

The Madison Police Department considers School Zone safety a top priority and will be enforcing School Zone violations throughout the school year to help keep our children safe. We would also like to remind the public of Wisconsin State Statute 346.46 (2m) when approaching a crossing guard. The statute states:
“every operator of a motor vehicle approaching a school crossing which is controlled by an adult school crossing guard appointed under s. 120.13 (31) or 349.215 shall follow the directions of the school crossing guard. If directed by the school crossing guard to stop, the operator shall stop the vehicle not less than 10 feet or more than 30 feet from the school crossing and shall remain stopped until the school crossing guard directs the operator to proceed”

The Madison Police Department is committed to improving traffic safety in our community by increasing compliance with traffic laws through education and enforcement. Although law enforcement efforts are an important part of public safety, we rely heavily on the cooperation of the public to be aware of and to follow all traffic laws, whether as a pedestrian, bicyclist or motorist.

The Madison Police Department supports the "Zero In Wisconsin" campaign and believes that we all can make a difference. Please remember to drive safely and to "buckle up." State law allows law enforcement to stop a vehicle when the driver is not observed wearing a safety belt. The Madison Police Department also reminds motorists that state law requires that vehicles yield right–of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks.

Sgt. Rahim Rahaman
Traffic Enforcement Safety Team