SCHOOL ZONE AND CROSSING GUARD SAFETY

THE FOCUS OF POLICE DEPARTMENT CAMPAIGN

Beginning Monday, September 11, the Midland Police Department’s Traffic Safety Team will conduct an education and enforcement campaign in Midland on driver and pedestrian safety in school and crossing guard zones.

Patrol officers will concentrate on enforcement in the areas of speeding plus crossing guard and stopping violations. The campaign will run until September 22.

Speed: As a reminder to Midland motorists, most school zones are permanently posted at 25 mph; however, some school zones with higher posted speed limits are reduced to 25 mph during specific hours that correspond with the beginning or end of the school day. According to State law, special school zone speed limits are generally in effect 30 minutes to an hour before the first period at school and dismissal at the end of the day, and during the scheduled lunch hour.

Violations of school zone speeds can carry civil infraction fines of at least $120.00 and 3 points added to a motorist’s driving record.

Parents/motorists dropping children off at school generally stay within the speed limit, but can have a tendency to increase their speed after the children have exited the car. Motorists are encouraged to continue to watch their speed near schools even after a child has exited the car.

Crossing Guards: Crossing guards are assigned to 18 intersections in the city of Midland. When approaching an intersection where a crossing guard is in the crosswalk with a Stop sign raised, motorists may not cross or turn into that crosswalk until the crossing guard has completely left the crosswalk.

Crosswalk violations are misdemeanor crimes and can result in a fine of $125.00, three points added to a driving record, and jail time.

Stopping: Experience has shown that most driveway-related accidents could have been avoided by the driver taking extra time to stop at the edge of the driveway and look in both directions before proceeding. Not only is pulling out of a private drive or parking lot without first stopping a dangerous practice, but it is also against the law: such motorists are required by law to stop before proceeding onto the roadway. This driving requirement was created to allow drivers the time to look for traffic and pedestrians that may be in the area. Oncoming vehicles and pedestrians have the right-of-way.

Most traffic violations are committed by the residents who live in the area where the violations are occurring.

The Midland Police Department’s Traffic Safety Team is dedicated to helping to reduce local accidents and injuries through enforcement and education, as well as seeking citizen input. If you have traffic concerns and ideas, please direct them to the Traffic Safety Team by calling 989-839-4714.

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