HUNTSVILLE — With the new school year just around the corner, the Huntsville Police Department is making sure that drivers understand its “zero tolerance policy” regarding speeding through school zones.
HPD said patrol officers and safety patrol aides will be stationed in school zones throughout the school year to enforce the policy.
“Drivers should approach all intersections and crosswalks with caution as some students bike or walk to school,” an HPD news release said. The department urged parents and guardians to remind students to stay on sidewalks and only cross at designated crosswalks.
Drivers are also required to stop for school buses when stop signs are extended in both directions of travel. This law applies to public roadways, private streets, school campuses, and parking lots. Penalties for violating the law can include a fine, suspension of a driver’s license, and community service.
If commuters must travel through a school zone, HPD recommends finding alternate routes
to avoid school zone congestion. Drivers who commute to Redstone Arsenal via Interstate 565 eastbound to Bob Wallace Avenue should take an alternate route to avoid Morris Elementary traffic. Exit 17A to Jordan Lane is an alternate route with no school zones.
Also, the use of handheld devices while operating a motor vehicle is now illegal.
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