Montgomery County Back to School Safety Initiative Increases Enforcement Against Dangerous Driving Around Schools

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 20, 2024

With over 160,000 students heading to 211 schools on Monday, Aug. 26, County Executive Marc Elrich announced increased law enforcement and outreach efforts focused on drivers who speed, run red lights and do not stop for pedestrians. Kicking off at the beginning of the school year, the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) and the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will be focused on areas around schools to ensure safe travel to and from school.

"Far too often we see drivers who are not paying attention or are speeding when our kids are going to and from school," said County Executive Elrich. "As the new school year starts, we are cracking down on dangerous driving around schools. Speeding, running red lights and not stopping for pedestrians or school buses put our kids at risk. We're stepping up enforcement and using automated systems to catch and fine those who break the rules. I ask all drivers to be careful, follow traffic laws and look out for our children. Together, we can make our upcoming school year safer for everyone."

The MCPD Central Traffic Unit will be across the County focusing on dangerous driving behaviors around school zones. The Automated Traffic Enforcement Unit will place speed cameras in and around schools with all school buses equipped with cameras to catch and fine drivers illegally passing stopped school buses.

"Last school year, more than 48,000 drivers were captured by school bus cameras illegally passing a stopped school bus," said Police Chief Marc Yamada. "We will have our officers and automated enforcement systems out in force to encourage drivers to obey the speed limit and watch out for our most vulnerable road users."

Drivers in Maryland must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus when the stop arm is extended, and the red lights are flashing. Drivers may not pass the bus from any direction until the stop signals are off and the bus is moving again. Motorists are not required to stop if the road is separated by a physical median such as dirt, grass or a barrier. Infractions captured by school bus cameras carry a penalty of $250 for each violation. Violators who are stopped by a police officer face a fine of up to $570 and three points on their driver's license.

MCDOT's Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program works to encourage and enable children to walk and bicycle to school safely through education, outreach and building safe infrastructure around schools. The program offers activities and events that focus on pedestrian and bicycle safety. The program offers free resources to get schools, parents and community groups started.

As part of this program, MCDOT outreach staff will be attending back-to-school nights including the annual back-to-school fair on August 24 in Wheaton. Staff will be engaging with parents and students about safely navigating to and from school. They also will talk with parents and students about safely navigating to and from school.

The SRTS program has a plan to review the school walk areas for each MCPS school. About 15 schools are reviewed for safety improvements each year. The studies make recommendations for improved crossings and filling sidewalk gaps. This summer, the SRTS program added safe crossing infrastructure, such as crosswalks, median refuge islands and curb ramps, at Sally K. Ride, Judith Resnik, Pinecrest Elementary School, Herbert Hoover Middle School, Earl B. Wood Middle School and Francis S. Key Middle School. A sidewalk along Stateside Drive, Ladson Road, Marvin Road and Edgewood Avenue is scheduled to be constructed this year to provide crucial connections to Joann Leleck Elementary School and Forest Knolls Elementary School.

"Our teams work year-round to improve pedestrian safety around our schools by adding sidewalks, paths and safe crossings," said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. "These efforts are bolstered by our outreach efforts and law enforcement partners. Safety is our top priority, and we are looking at every school to ensure that students have safe access. I ask that drivers be alert and slow down this fall to ensure the safety of all of our residents. Leave a little early, give yourself more time to drive slower and look out for others. It will take all of us working together to impact change."

Visit the Montgomery County Safe Routes to School website for more information on the Safe Routes to School program and resources for schools and parents.

For information on MCDOT programs and services, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT's "Go Montgomery!" newsletter.

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Release ID: 24-373
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta 240-372-2282
Categories: Public Safety, Transportation

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