With school starting back last week, Chief Daren Coutee beefs up patrol in school zones.

 In a School Zone, a driver's speed means a world of difference for pedestrians and bicyclists. A child hit by a car traveling at 15 m.p.h. will be hurt, but probably won't die. A child has more chance of being seriously hurt, or worse yet killed, the faster a car is going.

Controlling speeding in School Zones is often difficult. Almost all of us speed occasionally. That’s why Chief Coutee makes School Zones a priority. However, if your having a speeding problem in a residential area or in a particular neighborhood please go here and tell us about the problem!

There’s no excuse for ignoring School Zones in the city of Alexandria.

Making School Zones visible is only part of the answer. We rely on you, the driver, to slow down and be attentive in School Zones. Remember:

• School Zones are posted 20 m.p.h. when children are present or lights are flashing.
• Children are too young to make safe decisions in dangerous traffic situations.
• Drivers must be ready to make quick stops where there are children present.
• If children see a car, they think that the driver sees them.
• Children don't think before they act, especially when they are talking with friends on the way to school or playing.
• Children are small. It's harder for them to see traffic and for you to see them.

We ask if you cannot respect the posted speed limits, respect the children.

Slowing down isn't the only thing you can do maintain school zone safety,

but also stopping when a school bus is picking-up or dropping-off children