The City of Twin Falls is reminding citizens that school is will soon be back in session, so drivers should slow down and use caution in all school zones. Many students will be returning to school beginning Thursday, Aug. 20, so speed zones and crosswalks in school zones will be enforced to prevent injury to students, parents and school staff.
In most cases the posted speed limit in school zones during school hours is 20 miles per hour, however, some school zones and crosswalks along state highways — such as Second Avenue North — may be posted at 25 miles per hour.
In all cases, drivers must yield to students or other pedestrians crossing within a crosswalk, and they must stop when crossing guards enter the crosswalk to escort students safely across the street.
Parents should teach their children these three simple steps to safely cross streets:
- Always cross within the designated crosswalk, which will be posted with signs and white markings on the road to indicate a pedestrian crossing. Never cross a street outside of a designated crosswalk because motorists may not see pedestrians, or be able to stop in time to prevent serious injury.
- Stop and look both ways for oncoming vehicles before stepping away from the sidewalk and into the crosswalk. Wait for any oncoming vehicles to stop before stepping into the crosswalk. If a crossing guard is posted at the crosswalk, wait for their directions before proceeding.
- Make eye contact with drivers to ensure that they are aware of the pedestrian crossing the street.
The City of Twin Falls Police Department will be stepping up traffic enforcement in school zones to educate drivers and pedestrians, as well as to enforce traffic laws around school zones. The City is stepping up education and enforcement to protect our youngest citizens from serious injuries.
Please help us protect students by obeying the posted speed limits in school areas, yielding to students in crosswalks, and yielding to school buses that are stopped.