SUSD and Scottsdale Police Department Work Together to Ensure Traffic Safety for the Start of School

At the start of each school year, SPD’s Traffic Enforcement Section deploys all available resources to enforce traffic laws around the schools. The Traffic Enforcement Units will concentrate on vehicles speeding and passing in school zones as well as parking violations in and around schools. This is done to protect incoming students and their families.

SPD also reminds the public that it is a critical safety issue that vehicles not be parked in designated “no parking” areas, especially in and around schools. These areas are clearly marked by signs or painted curbs. “No parking” areas are there to ensure that drivers can see children who are entering or leaving the school grounds. Leaving your car illegally parked for just a few minutes creates an
unsafe situation that could lead to a child being put in danger by a driver who cannot see them.

“Police officers enforce traffic violations in the interest of public safety,” said SPD’s Traffic Enforcement Sergeant, Jim Dear. Unfortunately, the police department has observed that many of the violators around the schools are parents. “A common reason for unsafe driving or illegal parking around schools is that the parent is running late, so we recommend that parents allow themselves plenty of time to safely drop off or pick up their children.”

“We also encourage that drivers dropping off and picking up students refrain from using cell phones while in transit. The use of cell phones while driving (picking up and dropping off students) is a safety concern,” said Dr. Milissa W. Sackos, executive director of Student and Community Services. “Safety
in and around our schools is foundational for an optimal learning environment,” states Dr. Sackos. “Lastly, our partnership with SPD is imperative to providing a safe environment for all our students” concludes Dr. Sackos.

School zone traffic enforcement is important all year long, but the focus at the beginning of the school year will be significant.