Drivers need to slow down and focus in school zones

WAUNAKEE, Wis. (WRN) — It’s time to focus on school zone safety.

Lieutenant Matt Plendl with the Waunakee Police Department says trends are concerning in Dane County and across the state, so drivers need to pay attention in school zones

“Minimize your distractions so you can kind of expect that unexpected. If a kid were to dirt out in front of you, let’s say,” Plendl said.

Plendl, part of the Dane County Traffic Safety Commission, says that’s equally true when school busses have their stop arms extended and lights flashing.

“Slowing everything down, paying attention, and just making sure you’re giving everyone plenty of distance and just kind of expecting that unexpected,” he said.

And Plendl asks parents to have conversations with their students about safe behaviors, especially if those kids are using scooters or e-bikes to travel to and from school.