'Operation School Zone Safety' Begins in Franklin Lakes

The following press release was submitted by the :

In a continuing effort to ensure traffic safety through education and enforcement, the Franklin Lakes Police Department will initiate “Operation School Zone Safety,” a back to school traffic safety campaign. This traffic safety campaign is designed to educate motorists, parents, and children regarding accident prevention and safe pedestrian movement.

Operation School Zone Safety will begin on Wednesday Sept. 5, 2012, and continue until Sept. 7, 2012. Additional enhanced traffic education and enforcement efforts will remain in place throughout the 2012-2013 school year.

Operation School Zone safety will take an aggressive enforcement approach, and focus on motorists who illegally pass school busses; speed in school zones; block crosswalks; illegally stop/park to drop off children in no stopping zones; and who fail to wear, or ensure that their children wear safety belts. The police department’s increased traffic safety program will be accomplished by assigning additional officers to traffic education/enforcement responsibilities during the first two weeks of the new school year. In addition, message sign boards will be utilized and literature will be distributed to notify motorists to exercise more caution now that schools are in session.

The beginning of the school year is a time when there is a greater risk of transportation related injuries to children. The fact that there are more children on the road each morning and afternoon, as well as changed driving patterns and fewer daylight hours elevates this risk. The Franklin Lakes Police Department encourages all motorists, parents, and students to practice safe driving and pedestrian habits. 

Tips for Motorists:

• Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits
• “Stop” for pedestrians in crosswalks
• Always stop for a school bus that has stopped to load/unload children.
• Do not block crosswalks at intersections
• Be alert and ready to stop. Watch for children, especially where there are no sidewalks. 

Tips for Parents & Teachers:

• Help children learn and practice the safety rules for walking, bicycling or riding in a passenger car or school bus.
• Supervise young children as they are walking or biking to school.
• Be a good role model. Always buckle up and cross in a crosswalk.

Tips for Students:

• Remember to always buckle up when riding in a car.
• Always ride in the back seat. It’s the safest place for young people.
• Always wear a helmet and follow safety rules when riding your bike.
• If you ride the school bus, learn and practice the safety rules for waiting at the bus stop, getting on and off the bus, and riding the bus.
• If you walk to school, learn to practice the safety rules for pedestrians. Always cross at crosswalks, look both ways for on-coming traffic, obey all traffic signs, traffic lights and crossing guard’s instructions.

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