School is Starting, Police Ask Drivers to Pay Attention

Photo by: Tim King

(SALEM) - The end of summer is just about here and children of all ages will be returning to school next week. We have all probably become accustomed to driving normal speeds through school zones during the summer months.

The Salem Police Department would like to remind everybody that the children will again be out and about coming to and from school, and we should all make sure we exercise caution when driving, especially around schools.

Also, please remember that the School Zone speed guidelines will again be in effect when school resumes.

Effective July 1, 2006, the laws changed regarding speed limits in School Zones. The new law is that the speed limit is 20 mph in School Zones at the times indicated by signage.

In the City of Salem it should be very easy for drivers to know when the 20 mph School Zone speed limit is in effect because all affected School Zones have now been outfitted with yellow lights. When the yellow lights are flashing, the speed limit is 20 mph.

For other School Zones outside of the City of Salem, drivers should watch for the signs that will either outline specific times that the speed limit is 20 mph or indicate that the speed limit is 20 mph when children are present.

Regardless of what signs may or may not be present, it is always a good idea to drive carefully, to be alert and to drive at safe speeds for the conditions.

Whether you are driving through a School Zone or not, pedestrians of all ages are likely to be out and about, and you never know when somebody may step into the street in front of you.