Back to school: Slow down, stay alert
As part of its recent The Sanibel Community Safety Update, the Sanibel Police Department (SPD) shared the following information:
As the new school year begins, the Sanibel Police Department would like to remind everyone to drive carefully and remain especially attentive near The Sanibel School.
School buses, parents dropping off and picking up children, students walking or biking, and other roadway users are once again part of our daily routines. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, eliminate distractions and remain alert. A little extra patience and courtesy can make a meaningful difference in keeping our students, families and community safe.
Motorists are reminded that Florida law requires drivers to obey posted school zone speed limits whenever they are in effect. As a reminder, the automated school zone speed cameras on Sanibel-Captiva Road will be active on all regularly scheduled school days from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
During school hours, the following speed limits will be enforced:
– From 6:30 to 7:45 a.m., the flashing school zone lights will be on for morning drop-off, and the speed limit will be 20 mph.
– From 7:46 a.m. to 1:44 p.m., the normal posted speed limit of 35 mph will be enforced.
– From 1:45 to 2:30 p.m., the flashing school zone lights will be on for afternoon dismissal and pickup, and the speed limit will be 20 mph.
For more information on the Automated School Zone Enforcement program, visit https://www.mysanibel.com/523/School-Zone-Speed-Enforcement or contact schoolzone@mysanibel.com or 239-472-3111, ext. 242.
In the spring, an issue affecting the westbound camera was identified that resulted in some inaccurate readings. Once the problem was identified, vendor Altumint accepted responsibility, promptly corrected it and implemented additional safeguards to improve the system’s reliability. Anyone who believes they may have been affected should contact Altumint Customer Service at 866-506-2255.
Finally, before the start of the new school year, the school zone radar units were tested and confirmed to be operating correctly.
Thank you for continuing to support the safety of our school community. As you travel around the island, please stay alert, allow yourself a little extra time and remember to “Slow Down Sanibel” so everyone arrives safely.
To watch a video message from SPD Police Chief William Dalton, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn2BpzefH_8&feature=youtu.be.