IT'S SCHOOL TIME!

SCHOOL ZONES:  15 MPH  - Strictly Enforced

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office will have “ZERO TOLERANCE” for speeding within a School Zone.  

Parents are urged to take note that Deputies will be watching for vehicles making illegal turns and stopping at the side of the road, both major traffic problems, especially during the morning school drop-off times.

A reminder that State law is in effect, F.S. 316.306 which prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle while using a wireless communication device (cell phone) in a handheld manner in a designated school crossing, school zone, or work zone area.  In regard to the work zone area, it is a violation if construction personnel are present or operating equipment on the road or immediately adjacent to the work zone area.

WATCH YOUR SPEED
NO ILLEGAL TURNS
USE THE CORRECT DROP-OFF LANE
DO NOT DROP YOUR CHILD OFF ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD

And then...

Be courteous to the Crossing Guards who protect your children each school day! 

The primary reason that drivers break these rules is lack of attention.  Talking on a cell phone, listening to music or eating are examples of activities that distract you from driving. Never text while driving. Always be attentive, not only in school zones, but on all roadways.

As the new school year begins, it is important to keep traffic safety in mind. Drivers should remember that there will be increased pedestrian traffic near schools as students will be walking, crossing streets and maybe even horsing around a bit on their way to school. Parents should also talk to their kids about getting to and from school safely. The City of Weston provides over 70 certified school crossing guards to ensure for safe routes to school for thousands of Weston students.

Tips for Parents and Drivers

If you drive your child to school:  Never park so your child has to run across the street; ensure they exit the car away from traffic.  Direct your child to use the designated crosswalk.

• Review pedestrian safety rules with your children. Stress the importance of using cross walks and obeying crossing guards.
• Avoid using your cell phone while driving.  It is illegal to use in a handheld manner in a school zone.
• If your child is under four years old and weighs less than 40 pounds, make sure the child is properly buckled up in a weight-appropriate child safety seat in the back seat.
• Make sure that teen drivers understand and obey all traffic laws. Discourage talking on a cell phone while driving; texting is illegal.
• Drivers should use extra caution around bus stops where groups of students congregate.
• NEVER go around a school bus that is stopped with its stop sign out. 
• Your child's school has approved walk routes to school with adult crossing guards at intersections.
• If your child is young or is walking to a new school, walk with them the first week to make sure they know the route and can do it safely.
• Stress the importance of awareness of surroundings to your child. Use of headphones and smart phones lead to accidents that can be serious, yet are easily avoidable.

Tips for Students 

• Always buckle up when riding in a car. Be sure to remove your backpack before getting in the vehicle.
• Always wear a helmet and follow traffic safety rules when riding your bike. Helmets are required for ages 16 and under.
• If you ride a school bus, learn and practice the safety rules for waiting at the bus stop, getting on and off the bus, and riding the bus.
• If you walk to school, learn and practice the safety rules for pedestrians. Review your route to school with your parents. It’s extremely important to use sidewalks when available, look left-right-left when crossing the road.

A driver traveling 30 mph needs 75 feet or more to stop.
Take the pledge to slow down, see and stop. You just may save a life!  
To view the Time to See and Stop video below

Visit the SCHOOLS page on our Weston website for more information about schools in Weston.