Many students are crossing county streets now that schools are again in session

Montgomery County Public Schools are now back in session, so all community members are encouraged to continue to make the safety of our children a top priority.

All drivers should be on the lookout for young pedestrians who will be walking to and from school. Parents should set aside time to remind their children of the following:

* Cross streets at marked crosswalks, look both ways before crossing the street, and don’t cross the street between parked cars. 

* If there isn’t a sidewalk and it is necessary to walk in the street, walk on the left side facing traffic. 

* Children and adults should follow the directions of Crossing Guards at schools who are there to assist and protect students. 

* Drivers should know that county law enforcement agencies are using automated speed enforcement cameras in school zones where there has been documented speeding.  There will be particular focus on all school zones for enforcement by both cameras and officers during the first 30 days after school starts.

* Some students will be riding bicycles to school.  Please remind bike riders that they must follow all traffic rules and signs, i.e. stop signs and traffic lights.  By law, all children under the age of 18 must wear a bicycle helmet when riding or being carried on a bicycle, while riding on a public street, right-of-way, or on a bicycle path.  Bicycle helmets should be worn to cover the forehead, not tipped to the back of the head.

* Many students will be riding buses to school and all drivers are strongly reminded that they are required to stop at least 20 feet from school busses that are stopped with flashing red lights.  It is also recommended that adults accompany young children to bus stops, and remain with them until the bus arrives.

County police remind motorists that the violations of these Maryland Transportation Articles may result in the following penalties: speeding in a school zone incurs a fine of up to $1,000 and 5 points on your license, and passing a school bus with flashing red lights incurs a fine of $570 and 3 points against your license.

Parents who bring their children to school or pick them up after school, are reminded to obey the “No Parking, No Stopping, and No Standing” signs in a School Zone.  A violation of this sign incurs a fine of $50.00.  For more information about kids walking, see MCDOT's Safe Routes to Schools website.

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