ROANOKE, Va, – Keeping your child safe while in school begins before they even get to the schoolhouse and continues well after they’re gone.
Safety walking to school or while riding the bus is the top priority for city leaders as they launch this year’s “No Need to Speed” campaign focused on school zone safety.
“There are 24 public schools in the city of Roanoke, which means school routes are everywhere,” the city said in a PSA video. “Whether you’re driving in a school zone or not, there’s no need to speed. Slow down to keep students safe.”
This campaign is funded by grants from the Department of Motor Vehicles and runs through May 27.
Andrew Palmer is a school resource officer at Hide Park Elementary in Roanoke and knows all too well the risks kids face.
“Many times they are just excited to get across the road,” said Palmer. “As you’re driving down the road, especially during dismissal, there are cars on each side of the road and sometimes, you really just can’t see the kid. They’re not as tall as the back of the bumper so driving too fast your reaction time is slower.”
There are interactive ways to get involved on the city’s website, like taking this quick quiz.
For more information on the campaign, click here.