FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 17, 2007

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-600-8119

 

 

SCDPS urges motorists to be aware in school zones

 

COLUMBIA – The Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) is encouraging the motoring public to get ready for school by watching out for young pedestrians, bicycle riders and increased traffic in and around school zones.

 

School start dates vary among South Carolina’s 85 school districts, but many districts begin classes the week of August 20.

 

To heighten awareness, SCDPS’ Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is promoting School Zone Safety Week to help remind the public that students will again start sharing the roads with motorists grown accustomed to school zones that have been inactive during the summer. School Zone Safety Week events are scheduled to be held during the first full week of school in each district or county.

 

James K. Schweitzer, Director of SCDPS, said traffic safety strategies near schools are a vital part of the agency’s highway safety outreach efforts.

 

“The safety of children walking, biking or traveling in motor vehicles is of the utmost importance,” Schweitzer said. “We think every week during the school year is ‘School Zone Safety Week’ and urge motorists to drive accordingly.”

 

SCDPS has contacted schools and law enforcement agencies throughout South Carolina to encourage participation in school zone safety activities. Additionally, law enforcement agencies are urged to increase vigilance over school zones in their areas. The SCDPS’ Highway Patrol also will be involved in various activities in the coming weeks:

 

• School pick-up lines: Troopers and Families of Highway Fatalities volunteers will distribute safety information at designated schools to parents and guardians as they are waiting in line to pick up their children in the afternoons (Media: Contact your local CRO for information about specific locations in your area).
• PTA meetings: Troopers will attend PTA/PTO meetings to talk to parents about bicycle and pedestrian safety concerns and educate about booster seat use.
• School presentations: Troopers will visit elementary and middle schools to conduct formal safety presentations.

 

Schools, students and parents statewide can engage in a variety of School Zone Safety activities, including:

 

• Holding safety presentations
• Creating bulletin board displays
• Distributing safety literature

 

Other ideas to mark School Zone Safety Week at your school are posted on the SCDPS website at www.scdps.org/szs/activities.htm.