Operation Safe Ride to School – A Message from the Police Department

Dear Montgomery County Public Schools Families,

Please see the press release below from the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) regarding the Operation Safe Ride To School initiative. Please note that the enforcement component of the initiative will begin in May.

Sincerely,
Montgomery County Public Schools

Montgomery County Police Department Traffic Division Conducts Operation Safe Ride To School Initiative

Throughout the year, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) officers, in addition to their daily patrols educating the public on traffic laws and enforcing those laws, conduct focused traffic-safety initiatives. In April, which is recognized as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Police Department has conducted enforcement that focuses on the illegal use of cell phones while driving.  In May, the Police Department will participate in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Click It or Ticket Campaign, which is intended to increase the awareness of using seat belts and child safety seats and using them properly.

The MCPD – Operation Safe Ride To School initiative is both an educational and enforcement campaign that focuses on distracted driving, and seat belt and child safety seat use around Montgomery County public school entrances and drop-off lanes during the morning arrival of students.  It began this month (April) and will continue in May.  The Department has received numerous complaints and concerns that drivers are talking on cell phones during school drop-off and are not properly securing children in car seats or not using safety seats.  The Department recognizes that the arrival of children at school is often a very active time of heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic and safety during this time is a priority.

In regard to the educational aspect of this Operation Safe Ride To School campaign during April, Traffic Division officers with the assistance of MCPD Cadets and interns have observed morning traffic near elementary and middle schools. Officers have noted the number of cell phone and seat belt and safety seat violations they observed.  The record of those violations are then shared with school officials, who in turn share them with parents and guardians.  During May, Traffic Division officers will begin the enforcement component of this initiative and will enforce the illegal use of cell phones by drivers and seat belt and safety seat violations around public schools during the morning arrival of students.

The Department’s goal with this initiative is to work to maximize everyone’s safety during the arrival at school.