STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-March 6, 2024-Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD) and the Routt County Sherriff’s Office (RCSO) will be implementing increased patrols and focusing enhanced attention on school zones especially around the start and end of the day.
“We care about our kids and getting to and leaving school shouldn’t be something that puts students and staff in risky situations,” said SSPD School Resource Officer (SRO) Lisa Eifling. “We’re experiencing an increase in dangerous driving habits and are asking everyone to slow down.”
During recent visits to local schools including Soda Creek Elementary the past few days, law enforcement agencies have seen a number of unsafe behaviors. Schools have well-thought-out arrival and departure plans for vehicles dropping off and picking up students each day. Speed limits in school zones are 20mph.
“Having spent several days around Soda Creek Elementary and seeing several close calls, we’re asking everyone to Stop for Seadogs,” commented RCSO SRO Stephen Harbison. “Life is fast paced enough, and everyone needs to slow it down and take a deep breath especially around schools.”
The SROs and school administration are offering tips while traveling through school zones:
- Students should only exit or enter their car in the loop or when safely parked in a legal parking spot.
- Students should never exit the car while at the stop sign or in the street.
- The bus lane should not be utilized as a drop-off spot.
- Allow ample room between your car and the crosswalk attendant and students.
- Respect the stop sign and come to a complete stop.
- The preschool parking lot must be used only for preschool families.
While drivers won’t see an increase in points on their license, they are subject to increased penalties and surcharges imposed by section 42-4-1701(4)(d) for a moving traffic violations occurring in a school zone.
SSPD & RCSO will be conducting additional patrols around schools and in school zones over the coming weeks.
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Contact
Lisa Eifling, School Resource Officer-SSPD, 970.879.4344 or email
Stephen Harbison, School Resource Officer-RCSO, 970.879.1090 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email