School Zone Safety and Reminders

Published on August 1, 2017

The Huntsville City School system as well as multiple private schools within the city will start the new school year this week.   The Huntsville Police Department wants to remind everyone about school zone safety and the laws that pertain to them.

Officers will be strictly enforcing school zone speed limits as well as other safety concerns around the schools.  There will be over 80 Public Safety Aides directing traffic within school zones and their primary goal is getting children to and from school safely.  All motorists and pedestrians are required to obey their directions.  “Many students will be walking and biking to school and we ask everyone to be extra careful at intersections and crosswalks”, said Chief Mark McMurray.  Parents are asked to remind their children to always stay on the sidewalks and only cross roadways at designated crosswalks.

Also remember motorists are required to stop for any school bus that has a stop sign extended and/or their red flashing lights activated.  This applies whether you are approaching the bus from the front or the rear.  The only exception is if you are traveling in the opposite direction on a four-lane highway with a divider between the opposing lanes.  The law not only applies to buses stopped on roadways, but also buses stopped on private streets or property including school campuses.  Penalties for violating this law range from fines to suspension of driver licenses and community service.

Everyone should expect delays when traveling through school zones, and you are encouraged to allow yourself extra time to ensure you arrive safely and on time.  The Huntsville Police Department wishes everyone a happy and safe school year.