School is Back in Session!

Drive Safely and Observe School Zone Regulations

As the summer break concludes, the City of Madison Crossing Guard Program urges all drivers to be extra cautious as schools reopen in the coming weeks.

• Friday, September 1st, Madison Metropolitan School District kicks off the new academic year for some grades.
• The full return of all grades beginning on Tuesday, September 5th.

The safety of our young pedestrians and students is of great importance, and, as such, we remind all members of the community to keep the following guidelines in mind as the new school year begins:

Reduce Speed in School Zones: School zone speed limits in Madison are 15 mph unless otherwise marked (at 20 mph). It is vital for drivers to reduce their speed and adhere to the designated school zone speed limits. Reducing speeds significantly reduces the likelihood and severity of crashes.

Stay Alert for Pedestrians: The influx of foot traffic around schools means an increased presence of pedestrians, including students crossing streets, traveling on sidewalks, and waiting at bus stops. Always be attentive and prepared to stop for pedestrians, especially near crosswalks.

Follow Directions of School Crossing Guards: If directed by a school crossing guard to stop, the operator of a vehicle must stop and remain stopped until the pedestrians AND the Crossing Guard have exited the street and the crossing guard has lowered their stop sign.

Avoid Distractions: Distracted driving is a significant safety concern. Put away cell phones, avoid other such distractions, and keep your full attention on the road.

Be Patient: Increased traffic around schools during drop-off and pick-up times can cause delays. Exercise patience and courtesy when driving near schools, and yield the right of way to pedestrians when required. If you do not need to travel through a school zone, consider taking an alternate route.

As we begin a new academic year, let's work together to ensure the safety and well-being of Madison’s children. By observing school zone regulations and adopting cautious driving practices, we can create a safer environment for everyone.

We thank drivers for their cooperation and diligence in helping to make Madison roads safer for everyone. Let's make this school year a success for all by putting safety first!

For more information, please visit the Crossing Guard webpage or reach out to the supervisors directly at crossingguards@cityofmadison.com

Links

• Crossing Guard Website

Images