GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — As the school year starts for many on Thursday, the Green Bay Police remind drivers to be extra vigilant in school zones throughout the 2022-23 school year.
The Green Bay Police Department in coordination with the Green Bay Area Public School District is making student safety an extra priority at the start of the school year.
“As we head into another school year, it’s important for us to make sure our kids are safe on the way to and from school, whether that’s on foot, by bike, or in a motor vehicle. Our kids’ safety is one of our highest priorities at the Green Bay Police Department,” said Chief Chris Davis, Green Bay Police Department.
Beginning on the first day of school, Thursday, Sept. 1, and continuing throughout the week, there will be an increase in patrol unit presences near school zones as a visual reminder for drivers to abide by the 15 MPH speed limit when children are present.
“We’ll have extra patrols in school zones to ensure motorists are driving safely and slowing down for kids,” said Operations Lieutenant Mike Sobieck, Green Bay Police Department. “We’ll also be looking for drivers and passengers who are not wearing their seat belts as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Click it or Ticket campaign and issuing citations accordingly.”
The Police Department also asks that drivers be aware of when school buses are unloading and loading children as the law states that a vehicle approaching a school bus that is displaying flashing red warning lights, must stop not less than 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights are turned off.
In addition to extra patrol units, the department will have approximately two dozen officers making multiple stops at area schools on the first day of school to greet and visit with students.
The city is also seeking crossing guards, who can have a positive impact on student lives, those interested in applying can find the application here.
It is also reminded that even though police will be in the area for the first week of school, drivers should always be aware of the 15 MPH law in school zones, when children are present, throughout the entire school year.
