Teaming up for student safety: Slow down and be alert

Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) is teaming up with Lincoln Police (LPD) and Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) to remind the community that with school starting next week it takes everyone working together to ensure students make it to and from school safely.

Elementary schools all across Lincoln held a Salf Walk to School night in conjunction with their open houses on Thursday, Aug. 8. The night serves as an opportunity for families to practice safe pedestrian and biking habits with their students. 

Hartley Elementary Principal Rob Rickert expressed his gratitude to LPD and LTU for their continued collaboration in improving school route safety, and thanked the community for working together to help keep students safe as the school year kicks off. 

“We are lucky to have so many individuals who work together to ensure student safety,” added Rickert. “It is important that all of us do what we can to keep our students safe, and that includes the drivers on the road who may not have students in school.”

LPD announced a special traffic enforcement around school zones thanks to a grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation. This is an annual project that adds officers who are focused on school zones in addition to regular patrol officers. Last year, LPD issued 374 citations in school zones during the special enforcement period. 

LPD Sergeant Sara Genoways reminds drivers that school zone speed limits are 25 miles per hour when the lights are flashing. 

“If you are traveling at 35 miles per hour rather than 25, it will take you nearly twice the distance to come to a stop,” Sgt. Genoways said “While crashes may still occur, slowing down to 25 or 20 miles per hour will greatly reduce injuries and give drivers more time and space to react.”

Sgt. Genoways added that fines are doubled in school zones, and drivers could face up to a $600 fine. Citizens who observe excessive disobedience of school zones are encouraged to report the problem to LPD via the online form. 

To help ensure safety, LTU Traffic Engineering analyzes current traffic patterns, street designs, traffic control devices and traffic-calming measures. Enhancements to school zones and walking routes will be evaluated at each school in the city. In 2018, LTU conducted a School Zone Study that showed a variety of ways to evaluate and improve safety and traffic flow in school zones while meeting national standards and best practices. In addition, LTU created the Lincoln Safe Routes to School Program aimed at providing safe, easy and accessible walking or biking routes to and from school. 

LTU Senior Traffic Technician Melissa Ramos-Lammli said that families and community members can also do things to create safer pedestrian environments.

“Enhancing visibility near crosswalks by not pulling into ‘no parking’ zones near crosswalks  and parking away from intersections significantly improves visibility,” said Ramos-Lammli. “Maintaining clear sightlines helps drivers see pedestrians and pedestrians see approaching vehicles. This practice not only prevents accidents, but also ensures smooth and safe traffic flow for drivers and pedestrians alike.”

Ramos-Lammli also reminds drivers that they must stop and yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, but pedestrians also must not enter a crosswalk until a vehicle has stopped or has a reasonable amount of time to stop.

LPS, LPD and LTU ask that families remind students:

• Look both ways before crossing: Always remember to look left, right, and left again before stepping into the crosswalk.
• Cross at crosswalks or corners: Cross streets at designated crosswalks or corners where drivers expect to see pedestrians.
• Make eye contact with drivers: Ensure that drivers see you by making eye contact and waiting until traffic has come to a complete stop before crossing.
• Be visible: Always wear bright colors or reflective materials to ensure that you are visible to drivers at all times.
• Watch for driveway traffic: Stay alert for vehicles entering or exiting driveways.
• Stay alert and avoid distractions: Keep your eyes and ears open, avoiding distractions like mobile devices or headphones.
• Helmet safety for bike riders: If you’re biking, always wear a helmet to protect your head in case of an accident.

School starts Monday, Aug. 12 for LPS students in grades K-5, 6 and 9; Tuesday, Aug. 13 will add students in grades 7-8 and 10-12; and Thursday, Aug. 15 will be the first day of school for preschool.

 

Resources: Traffic Engineering (lincoln.ne.gov/traffic); School Walking Routes (lincoln.ne.gov/SchoolWalkingRoutes); School Zone Standards (lincoln.ne.gov/SchoolZone); Walk, Bike, Drive Lincoln Safely (lincoln.ne.gov/TrafficSafety).

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