Bend PD boosting school-zone enforcement

With the “dog days” of summer winding down, it is time to start thinking about back-to-school for kids. This brings buses and kids to our roadways and our school zones come into effect during school days.

On September 9, the Bend-La Pine Schools will begin its 2015 schedule of classes. This will increase both the traffic and pedestrian volumes in and around school zones.

The Bend Police Department is reminding drivers who commute through these areas to be aware of the increased number of children who will be present in these areas.

All school zones have signs posted designating the rules in that particular area.

Oregon Revised Statute 811.111 requires drivers to drive 20 MPH in posted school zones from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM on days when school is in session, whether or not children are actually present.

Drivers are also required to drive 20 MPH in school zones posted “When Children Are Present.” This includes when children are occupying or walking within a crosswalk, waiting on a curb or shoulder of the highway/street at a crosswalk or when a crossing guard is present to assist children at a crosswalk.

School buses will be out and about in neighborhoods, picking up and dropping off students before and after school. Be safe and remember it is illegal to overtake a bus, in either direction, when the bus is stopped on a roadway and operating its red bus safety lights. Drivers must stop before they reach the vehicle and remain stopped until the bus safety lights are no longer operating.

The Bend Police Department will be increasing its enforcement within posted school zones once school is in session.