Westerville City Schools transitioned to a Blended Learning Model on Monday, meaning children and adults will again be walking and bicycling to school.
With this in mind, the City of Westerville has shared the following message:
As such, Westerville Division of Police (WPD) will conduct targeted enforcement in school zones. WPD recommends the following tips to help keep Westerville students safe:
Plan ahead: Motorists will once again share the roads with school bus drivers, parents dropping off their children and students riding their bikes to school. Remember there are new students and drivers unfamiliar with the schools and their procedures at the beginning of the academic year. Consider leaving the house a bit early to allow for the extra traffic on the roads.
Be sure to check out the GoWesterville Interactive map to see if any improvement projects could have an impact on your commute.
Be aware: Watch for school buses and their lights and stop signs. It is unlawful to pass a school bus dropping off and picking up students when warning lights are activated (ORC 4511.75). Also, take extra care near crosswalks and bus stops as students and parents will be out and about.
Remember the Rules of the Road: Where a highway has been divided into four or more traffic lanes, a driver need not stop for a school bus approaching from the opposite direction which has stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging children.
Watch Your Speed: Adhere to the posted 20 mph speed zones while school is in session or while school zone warning flashers are operational.
Learn more about the Westerville Division of Police at www.westerville.org/police.