As students across Springfield return to classrooms this fall, Springfield Public Schools (SPS), Springfield Police Department (SPD) and Greene County Sheriff’s Office are partnering on a new safety campaign aimed at protecting children as they travel to and from school. This joint effort includes a new 30-second public service announcement and a series of social media messages focused on pedestrian awareness for students and parents as well as safe driving behavior around school buses.
The campaign highlights a simple but critical message: distractions behind the wheel can have dangerous consequences for children walking to school or getting onto or off a bus.
“Every school day, these buses carry our kids to and from school,” said Lt. Steve Schwind, SPD Traffic Unit commander. “When you see those flashing lights or the stop arm come out, it’s not optional.”
In the months of August and September, officers with SPD’s Traffic Unit will focus enforcement efforts on bus stop arm violations and school zone speed enforcement.
“This is a shared responsibility,” said Jim Farrell, SPS chief of school police. “Whether you’re a parent, a student, or a driver passing through a school zone, your choices make a difference in keeping children safe.”
Both agencies hope this campaign encourages the community to join in protecting students during the busy back-to-school season and all year long.
The first day of school for Springfield Public Schools students is Tuesday, Aug. 25.
CLICK HERE to view the news release from Springfield Public Schools.
For more information about Springfield Public Schools, CLICK HERE.
For more information about Springfield Police Department, CLICK HERE.
For more information about Greene County Sheriff’s Office, CLICK HERE.