School's Back: Safety is Everyone's Responsibility

Polk County schools are back in session, which means it's time for our traffic officers to once again focus their enforcement efforts around our numerous school zones. We urge all drivers to be aware of their surroundings as students walk or ride to school and wait around bus stops. Our thanks as well to the Lakeland Fire Department who have been out in force around our schools to remind drivers that school is back in session.

And this year we ask for one more thing...

Parents - please take a moment or two and discuss with your children the importance of them adhering to traffic safety as well. All too often our traffic tragedies are the result of a student darting into traffic or not looking before trying to cross a roadway. Drivers can only be so diligent in their efforts to watch out for students. This year let's also encourage our students and parents to share the responsibility for pedestrian and bicyclist safety.

Here's to another safe school year for our students and community.

-Asst Chief Bill LePere