Back to School Traffic Safety

            The 2009-2010 school year is underway and the Chippewa Falls Police Department would like to take this opportunity to communicate concerns about traffic safety. 

            The Police Department typically experiences an increase in traffic complaints during this time of year and most of these involve speeding, along with failure to stop or improper stops at stop signs, failure to yield the right of way (FYR), and excessive acceleration. These school related complaints have been found to involve not just driving-aged students but also parents and even school staff members and buses.

            While voluntary compliance with all laws is the goal of the police department, increased enforcement with warnings and citations will follow if necessary.  Fines for speeding citations now start at $175.30 with three demerit 3 points against your record. Fines continue to increase as the speed increases!

                        Traditionally, a number of traffic complaints each school year involve suspected teenage drivers, especially during the high school lunch periods, as well as just before or after school.  Students should remember that citations are not the only consequences for violating the traffic code.  Accidents are a direct result of poor driving, especially with regards to speed.  Property damage, personal injury, and increased insurance rates are also things to consider.  Speeding reduces ones reaction time to avoid accidents and higher speeds will obviously result in more serious accidents with property damage and personal injury.  Teenaged drivers are inherently at higher risk for violations and accidents, as they are simply new at driving and do not possess the experience level of most adults. Cell phones, stereos and friends are clearly distractions that further reduce a young driver’s accuracy and attentiveness.

            Wintertime will be here in a few months, and snow covered, icy and slippery driving conditions will be upon us.  Slowing down and driving with due regard for other operators on the roadways is extremely important.

            The CFPD asks that students, school staff, and parents all slow down when driving anywhere in the city and especially in the areas of the schools.  The speed limit on most residential streets in the city is 25 MPH and 15 MPH when children are present within school zones.  We all want to have a safe and accident free school year.