Mayor stresses driver safety at new school year

8/27/2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2012

Contact:
Jeannie Roberts
(440) 885-8181/ (216) 346-9935

PARMA, Ohio - Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter reminds area motorists to be extra cautious and alert while driving in traffic now that local schools are back in session.

“It’s always important to remember driver safety,” DeGeeter says, “but now that schools are back in session, we should all remember to be especially watchful and careful. School buses are back on the road and students will be crossing streets while walking to and from their schools.” Some things to remember about Parma school-zone enforcement: There are nineteen school zones within the City of Parma that are photo enforced for speed. The city has two cameras that are randomly deployed at different locations during the course of a day to enforce the 20-mileper- hour school zone speed limit. Parma’s enforcement zones are announced with a large sign that reads: “Photo Enforcement Zone Ahead” and at least one officer is always on-site during photo enforcement activation. Any resulting fines are civil and do not result in points against a driver’s license.

Motorists should remember that some school zones are active only during opening and closing hours, but many zones are also active during lunch and recess hours when children are or may be on the premises. Prior to the start of school, the city’s traffic light technician does a systems check and inspection to make sure all the signage is up-to-date and properly working.

“While students are learning their ABCs, drivers can remember theirs, too – Always Be Cautious,” DeGeeter said. “It’s important to slow down, pay attention to street signs and always be aware of our surroundings.”