FRESNO (KMJ) — Central Valley students are returning to the classroom for another year of learning, but law enforcement is hoping drivers remember the rules of the road too.
The school districts of Fresno Unified and Madera Unified go back on Monday, following Central Unified’s return last week, with Clovis Unified’s first day back due next week.
“Our main focus will be on people speeding through a school zone,” says Fresno Police Sergeant Gary Beer.
“Remind everybody that a school zone speed limit drops down to 25, regardless of if it’s posted 40 or 45 or whatever street you’re on…anytime there are more than two kids within the two speed limit signs then that becomes a school zone during school hours.”
Fresno PD is coining the enforcement period “No Recess for Safety,” and as many 25 officers will be on duty around Fresno Unified campuses on the first day to ensure motorists abide by all aspects of the law.
“The officers will be looking for the people who are still doing the [previous] speed limit or somebody that’s late for work and doing double the regular speed limit,” adds Sergeant Beer.
“Then of course we have seen the teachers that come speeding through the school zones as well at times, trying to get to school, because they may be a little late.”
But officers will not just be looking for those driving too fast.
“Pedestrians, kids on skateboards, kids on bicycles. We ask the kids to make sure they’re wearing helmets on their bicycles if they’re underage. Let’s just make it a safe week.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
