As students return to Daleville City Schools on Monday, the Daleville Department of Public Safety is reminding motorists to drive cautiously and be aware of the posted school zone speed limits, increased traffic on the roads and children walking to school.
“With school starting Aug. 19, we just want everybody aware that (we will) be heavily enforcing traffic (laws),” Daleville Police Chief Harvey Mathis said. “Our number one concern is the students’ safety and we’re trying to make sure people adhere to the speed limit.”
As an extra forewarning to drivers, two variable message signs from Fort Rucker are on display in the school zone area this week to advise the public of the posted speed limit a week in advance.
During the first week of school, Mathis said North Daleville Avenue and Donnell Boulevard will have extra police officers and crossing guards posted.
The posted speed limit for the school zone is 30 mph and a reduced speed of 25 mph during school hours.
Buses run from 6:15-7:30 a.m. and again from 3-4 p.m.
School speed limit signs with flashing lights are posted in the area to warn motorists to slow down — two are located on Donnell Boulevard and three are on North Daleville Avenue.
“Come Aug. 19, we’re going to have zero tolerance for people speeding through our school zones,” Mathis said.
Fines for speeding violations are doubled in school zones.
Mathis said drivers need to also pay close attention as the students learn their new bus routes and adjust to a daily routine.
“We want them to be aware that sometimes students inadvertently step off the sidewalk or they cross outside of the crosswalks,” Mathis said. “So you always have to be aware when you see students walking, they could just abruptly change and cross.”
Mathis said students should use the crosswalks, obey the crossing guards and pay equal attention to the roadway. Students are also advised to look both ways when they get off the bus or cross the street.
Mathis said the first week of school motorists should expect traffic congestion and possible delays near the schools, especially with parents dropping off their kids for the first time and the Fort Rucker-Daleville gate still congested.
“We know at the elementary school a lot of parents are going to be bringing their kids to school for the first day,” he said. “Traffic is going to be backed up. There’s going to be long lines. We want people to be patient. We’re going to have a lot of people working and watching the streets.”
When dropping off their kids, parents are asked to not park longer than necessary in order to keep the flow of traffic moving.
Mathis said motorists also need to plan ahead and allow themselves extra time to reach their destinations.
“Everybody just be courteous and work together in making this (as) smooth (of a) transition as possible,” Mathis said. “We want to have a safe school year. No students injured. No accidents.”
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