Lehi Police Department is reminding drivers to watch for children in crosswalks and for crossing guards as school returns to session, according to a September 1 report.
Sergeant Lily Southwick of the Lehi Police Department stated that awareness is critical during this time of year to ensure students can walk to and from school safely.
The Lehi Police Department reports that 26 crossing guards across the city assist over 18,000 students with safe travel every day. Under Utah law, every school must maintain a child access routing plan, formerly known as the Student Neighborhood Access Program (SNAP), which is reviewed annually by school districts and community councils.
Southwick noted that established safe walking routes help officers identify the most common paths students take, which assists in locating students if they do not arrive home on time. She also advised that children walking in groups are safer and easier for drivers to see, particularly in school zones or neighborhoods where speed limits are 20 miles per hour or less.
Crossing guards have used social media to remind drivers to remain stopped until both the pedestrians and the crossing guard have completely cleared the crosswalk. One guard reported seeing vehicles come within inches of students due to drivers being unwilling to wait. Some guards also reported being verbally assaulted by upset drivers.
Southwick reminded drivers that it is illegal to pass a school bus on either side when its lights are flashing and its stop sign is extended. While no injuries have been reported, Southwick stated there have been too many close calls and emphasized that impatience is not an excuse for injuring a child.
