Tipp of the Week-Cross Walk Safety in School Zones
Hello, Tipp City! Marc the Cop here,
Where has the summer gone! It's back-to-school time once again. I enjoy seeing the children of my friends grow up so quickly in my social media feeds.
Back when I was working, we took our crosswalks and school zones seriously.
Being out with the kids in the community, I felt, was a good part of being a police officer. That was one part I missed while working the Midnight Shift. Crosswalk safety in school zones is a critical aspect of protecting children, families, and community members as they travel to and from school each day. School zones are high-traffic areas during the morning arrival and afternoon dismissal hours, making it essential for both drivers and pedestrians to remain alert and follow safety guidelines. By understanding the rules of crosswalk use and the responsibilities of drivers, communities can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. One of the most critical aspects of crosswalk safety is visibility.
Children are often smaller and sometimes harder to see, especially between parked cars or in low-light conditions. For this reason, many school zones feature clearly marked crosswalks, flashing signs, or crossing guards to help students cross safely. Parents and children are encouraged to use designated crosswalks instead of jaywalking, as crossing in marked areas increases visibility and ensures drivers expect pedestrians in those locations. Drivers play a significant role in crosswalk safety. In school zones, speed limits are typically reduced to around 20 miles per hour, and it is the driver’s responsibility to slow down and remain vigilant. Drivers must always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and never attempt to pass another vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk, as the stopped vehicle may be allowing a child to cross. Distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting controls, is hazardous in these areas and should be avoided altogether.
For children, learning pedestrian safety is just as vital. Parents and educators can teach students to stop at the edge of the curb, look both ways, and make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street. Children should be reminded to walk—never run—across crosswalks and to stay within the marked lines. Bright or reflective clothing can also help increase visibility, especially during the darker months of the year. Crossing guards provide an additional layer of safety by directing both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Their role is to create a safe gap in traffic for children to cross. Following their signals ensures smoother and safer transitions across busy roads.
Ultimately, crosswalk safety in school zones relies on cooperation between drivers, students, parents, and school officials. By slowing down, staying attentive, and respecting crosswalk laws, communities can create safer environments for children. Protecting students as they travel to school is not only a matter of law but also a shared responsibility that helps foster trust and safety in neighborhoods.
Remember the 9 PM routine! The 9 PM routine is a nightly reminder for residents to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicle doors, secure their residences, turn on exterior lights, and activate all alarms and security systems.
That is all for this week! Please be safe and care for one another.
I'll see you in church on Sunday
Sgt. Marc Basye (Ret.)
Do you have a suggestion for the Tip of the Week? Your input is valuable to us. You can email me at Marcthecop@tippgazette.com!
The opinions and statements in this column are those of the author, who is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency. This column is for entertainment purposes only. Persons referred to may be fictional for comedic purposes only.
