VALLEY CITY, N.D. (KFGO/NewsDakota.com) – Valley City Police and the school district are asking the public to help address safety concerns involving students getting to and from school.
“Recent reports have highlighted situations that place our students at risk, and we are asking all community members to partner with us in keeping children safe,” the school district and police department said in a joint statement.
School bus drivers have reported a noticeable increase in vehicles driving past buses that have their stop arm extended and red lights flashing. Police say this is both dangerous and illegal.
In the city of Valley City and throughout North Dakota, drivers must stop in both directions when a school bus has its stop sign extended and red lights activated. Drivers may proceed only after the lights stop flashing and the stop arm is fully retracted. A first violation carries a $200 fine and up to six points on your driver’s license.
School and law enforcement officials are also encouraging people to use the Jefferson Elementary parking lot. A few years ago, the school district paved and striped the lot to create a safer and more organized area for student drop-off and pick-up.
A staffed crossing guard is present before and after school to assist with pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
“Despite these improvements, there have been several near-miss incidents involving students being escorted across Central Avenue outside of designated crosswalks. While it is not illegal to park on the west side of Central Avenue, doing so increases the risk to students crossing the street in unpredictable locations.”
School officials are asking parents and guardians to use the Jefferson Elementary parking lot for drop-off and pick-up whenever possible. If crossing Central Avenue, only use the designated crosswalk near the intersection of Central Avenue and 12th Street.
Comments