School Zone Traffic Safety Campaign Launches in Madison

With Madison students starting a new school year Friday, borough police have announced an educational and enforcement campaign to emphasize safe driving in school zones.

Police officers will focus on motorists in school zones who speed, drive distracted, or fail to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, according to a Madison police news release.

The campaign, Operation Safe School Zones, will launch in the days leading up to the first day of school.

“We are committed to providing a safe environment for our children, especially in the areas surrounding our schools,” Chief Darren Dachisen said.

Violations have been reported to Madison police in previous years, and students crossing Main Street at Madison Junior School have been hit by cars.

"The Police Department has received numerous complaints in the past regarding vehicles which not only fail to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks near schools, but motorists which also fail to stop for crossing guards," the news release said. "Distracted driving and speeding are also concerns because they greatly hinder a driver’s ability to stop or take an evasive action."