Bend PD reminder: As school resumes, so do speed zones

The weather is great, but it is time to start thinking about going back to school — and school zone safety and speed limits, the Bend Police Department reminded Tuesday.

As Bend-La Pine Schools start on Sept. 7 (Sisters, among others, already are back in session), it will bring buses and kids to our roadways, said Bend Police Lt. Clint Burleigh.

School zones will come into effect during school days. 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 numbers of children who will be present in these areas.

A reminder that 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” 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.

Drivers are also reminded to watch for school buses at times when they would be
picking up or dropping off children. It is a Class A Traffic Infraction to overtake, in either direction, a school bus that 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 of speed and other
violations in posted school zones once school is in session. Burleigh said