Salinas Police reminds drivers to be careful when driving through school zones

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV)- Some school districts on the Central Coast began their first day of school yesterday. As students return to the classroom, the Salinas Police Department reminds the community to follow the speed limit and be cautious going through school zones.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary Academy is along North Sanborn Road. It's a busy street with many cars driving by.

“Whenever the new school year begins, there is an increase in traffic and pedestrian traffic,” said Miguel Cabrera with the Salinas Police Department. 

The Salinas Police Department said during the first few weeks of school, they try to keep a visible presence around school sites.

“Our officers, including our traffic unit, do give more attention to school zones,” said Cabrera. “We want to make sure that students throughout the city make it to school safely and return home safely.” 

Salinas Police said there is no one traffic trouble spot it gets requests regularly for. Police also told KION drivers should slow down when they see a school ready to pick up or drop kids off.

Police said people who pass a stopped school bus with flashing lights on could pay a hefty fine, ranging from $500 to $800.

The busiest times for schools are pick up and drop off. The Alisal Union School District told KION it's around those times when traffic gets congested.

“We have crossing guards at [Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary],” said Superintendent Jim Koeing. “We have campus supervisors to supervise the students, and we have the administrators at the school.” 

Regarding pick-ups and drop-offs, vehicles are only allowed to go one way. Which the school said makes traffic flow smoother. 

“We keep the traffic moving that allows for the safe drop off of our students,” said Koeing.

The school also partners with the Transportation Agency of Monterey County to teach kids the importance of traffic safety.