As students return to classrooms next week, the Huntsville Police Department is increasing its presence around schools through its annual “Zero in the Zone” campaign aimed at improving safety in school zones.
The initiative runs Aug. 5-31 and will place additional police officers and safety patrol aides in and around school zones during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal periods.
During the month-long campaign, officers will focus enforcement on speeding, distracted driving and other traffic violations that could endanger students, parents and school staff.
“One mistake in a school zone is one too many,” HPD Special Operations Division Commander Capt. Tony McElyea said. “Our goal isn’t simply to write citations. It’s to change driver behavior and make sure every student arrives at school and returns home safely.”
The department said last year’s campaign resulted in a significant increase in enforcement activity. During the 2025 initiative, officers conducted 249 traffic stops, issued 234 citations and gave 72 warnings. During the same period in 2024, officers made 146 traffic stops, issued 93 citations and wrote 54 warnings.
HPD is reminding motorists to:
- Slow down and remain alert in school zones, especially near crosswalks and intersections.
- Come to a complete stop for school buses displaying extended stop arms, regardless of direction of travel. The law applies on public roads, private streets, school campuses and parking lots.
- Allow extra travel time to avoid rushing through school zones.
- Avoid cutting through school or private business parking lots to bypass traffic, which is illegal and creates additional hazards for students.
- Put away cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. Under Huntsville’s Hands-Free Ordinance, drivers can be stopped and cited solely for holding an electronic device.
To help reduce congestion, drivers traveling to Redstone Arsenal via Interstate 565 eastbound to Bob Wallace Avenue are encouraged to consider using Exit 17A to Jordan Lane, which avoids traffic near Morris Elementary School.
Residents who observe dangerous driving in school zones are encouraged to report it by calling HPD’s non-emergency line at 256-722-7100. Dispatchers will request the vehicle’s location, description and direction of travel.
The department said the campaign is intended to improve driver awareness and ensure students can travel safely to and from school as the new academic year begins.
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