HPD urges safety in school zones as students return to class

Published on July 27, 2023

With a new school year starting Aug. 2, the Huntsville Police Department’s 70+ public safety aides are ready to help students make it to and from school safely each day.

Many students will walk or bike to school and motorists should approach intersections and crosswalks with caution. Parents and guardians should remind children to stay on sidewalks and only cross at designated crosswalks.

Patrol officers and the Traffic Services Units will patrol school zones throughout the year to ensure drivers are obeying speed limits. HPD has a zero-tolerance policy for speeding in a school zone.

In both directions of travel, motorists are required to stop for school buses when stop signs are extended. This law applies to public roadways, private streets, school campuses and parking lots. Penalties for violating the law can include a fine, suspension of a driver’s license and community service.

Motorists should consider finding alternate routes to avoid school zone congestion. Drivers who commute to Redstone Arsenal by traveling on I-565 eastbound to Bob Wallace Ave. are reminded to take an alternate route to avoid Morris Elementary traffic. Exit 17A to Jordan Lane is an alternate route with no school zones.

Anyone with concerns about a driver’s behavior can contact Huntsville Police at 256-722-7100. Be prepared to give a dispatcher information, including location, vehicle description and direction of travel.

The Huntsville Police Department wishes students, teachers, parents and guardians a safe and happy school year.