Crime & Safety
Updated: 'Operation Safe Passage' In Effect This Week to Enforce Safety In School Zones
Countywide effort begins today, Monday, Sept. 9 and continues through Friday, Sept. 13 to help alert the public about traffic safety.
Los Gatos/Monte Sereno police traffic enforcement officers are issuing citations this week to drivers for various moving violations such as speeding, failing to obey stop signs, traffic lights, and other right-of-way regulations, said Sgt. spokesman Clinton Tada.
The effort is part of the "Operation Safe Passage" program, in effect this entire week in Santa Clara County school zones.
Sgt. Tada said officers will also focus on safety hazards such as not wearing seat belts, improper usage of car seats, driving and using a cell phone, and pedestrian safety.
"Our traffic enforcement around the schools is all year round, but we are dedicating extra resources during Operation Safe Passage for this week," he said.
The local effort will also focus on traffic enforcement and education in and around all of the elementary, middle and high school areas during school start and end times, he added.
The department's goal is to alert parents with kids about how to properly utilize loading and unloading areas around the schools, pay close attention to traffic signs, crossing guard directions, use crosswalks and "take their time."
Commuters and kids walking and cycling to school should utilize crosswalks and obey all traffic signals and directions by crossing guards as well, he said.
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—By Bay City News Service
Law enforcement agencies are scheduled to participate in a school safety program this week throughout Santa Clara County, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The enforcement, known as "Operation Safe Passage," will be in effect Monday through Friday in all school zones throughout the county, the CHP said.
It is set up to alert parents transporting their children, commuters and children walking and riding bikes to school that traffic safety and the rules of the road will be strictly enforced, according to the CHP.
The ultimate goal is to develop a safe and long-lasting attitude among the communities near school zones.
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