City of Bonners Ferry Police notes

It’s that time of year again. Students of all ages are returning to school.

 Our future is taking to the roadways, either behind the wheel of a vehicle, riding on a school bus, walking or riding a bike to school, or receiving a ride by mom, dad or some other loved one. 

Two things come to mind when I hear school is starting:  More traffic and pedestrians using the roadways.

When I hear pedestrians, I think crosswalks and people crossing the roadway.  IC 49-702 requires that all vehicles must yield the right of way to pedestrians using a marked crosswalk. 

When a pedestrian wishes to cross any roadway while not using a marked crosswalk, it is the pedestrian’s responsibility to yield to all vehicles upon the roadway. 

Common sense goes a long way here as well.  If an object bigger than you is coming your way, do not step out in front of it.

It’s also the time of year when the speed limit in the school zones on Hwy. 95 goes back to 25 mph.

The school zone on Hwy. 95 is marked by the large flashing lights and the speed limit is 25 mph as long as those lights are flashing and you are traveling on Hwy. 95 between those lights. 

One set of the flashing lights is just past the stop light at Hwy. 95 and Alderson Lane for south bound traffic and the other is just before Safeway for north bound traffic. 

And just a reminder, the speed limit is 20 mph on all city streets other than Hwy. 95.

Please take a moment when you are traveling in any school zone, to slow down and keep your eyes open for pedestrians. 

It will only take a few more seconds by slowing down. But the outcome of not slowing down very well could be measured in hours or even a lifetime.  And the cost of speeding in a school zone is $151.50. 

So please, as our school year starts, take a little extra time whether in a school zone or a school bus pick up/drop off point. It may be the life of a child you are saving by doing so.

Have a great school year everyone.