As many Redlands students settle in to their first week of school and learn the routines of a new campus or reacquaint themselves with a familiar one, the Redlands Police Department launched a highly visible campaign Wednesday to remind drivers and pedestrians to be aware of traffic safety.

Traffic, school resource and parking control officers were out at the Redlands High School campus, as well as the city’s three middle schools and many of the elementary schools as students returned for the first day of classes.

Officers were primarily issuing warnings on Wednesday and will continue to caution drivers and pedestrians throughout the week to raise awareness before cracking down on enforcement efforts in the coming weeks and all throughout the school year.

Police personnel will also be distributing fliers at many of the campuses reminding drivers of the traffic laws including: basic speed laws, including 25 miles per hour in a school zone; crosswalk right-of-way; using crosswalks; double parking or parking in a zone designated “no stopping or parking”; and mandatory seatbelt and child safety restraint laws.

Every school year, police observe parents dropping off their children in an unsafe manner, in the middle of roadways, or double parked; as well as blocking bus loading zones while they drop off their students.

In addition, children cross the streets without regard for oncoming traffic and drivers speed through school zones.

While enforcement and citations are an effective deterrent to curb such behavior, public awareness and education campaigns also help create a safer environment in school zones.

Drivers and pedestrians should be aware of all traffic laws and remain alert in school zones. Parents are also encouraged to leave early to allow themselves time to drop off students in a safe manner and to remind their children to exercise caution, cross at the crosswalk and obey crossing guards, and police and school officials.

Anyone with questions regarding school or traffic safety should contact the Redlands Police Department School Resource Officer at their child’s campus or Traffic Unit Supervisor Cpl. Les Jolly at (909) 798-7610.

PHOTO CAPTION: Traffic backs up along Cypress Avenue Wednesday, the first day of classes at Cope Middle School, as parents drop their children off to school.

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