Slow down: School is in session

By Ms. Alexandra Shea (IMCOM)August 15, 2019

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With children returning to the new school year Wednesday, Fort Jackson personnel will see additional traffic and patrol officers near schools to ensure children arrive safely. Flashing and reflective signs warn driver to slow down within school zones... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The end of August brings fall leave, the return of pumpkin spice everything and children returning to school. For some parents, it will be a relief. For others it may mean longer lines to get onto Fort Jackson and the dreaded drop-off lane at school.

"I encourage everyone to make sure they come in a little early to work and appointments," said Fort Jackson Chief of Police Zackary Wise. "As school starts, more people will be out and driving their kids to school."

Students will begin their new school year Wednesday. This means more children and parents will be crossing streets and more vehicle traffic through the housing areas adjacent to the post's schools. Traffic lines to access the installation may be longer as well, as parents and Soldiers residing off-post may no longer be able to carpool due to the need to transport their children to their off-installation schools.

"Just be mindful of your surroundings," Wise said. "We will have our traffic and patrol units out and about making sure the kids are safe and people are not speeding."

Each school zone is heralded by large signs that are reflective and may have flashing yellow lights.

Most crosswalks within the school zones are also well marked with warning signage. It is not uncommon for small children to be missed by drivers in the early morning hours when they may be dressed in darker clothing.

"It's all about safety," Wise said. "Just remember to look out for one another."

The speed limit for all of Fort Jackson's school zones is 20 miles per hour on school days between the hours of 7-8:30 a.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. Signs are posted before school zones begin to remind drivers of the speed limit and hours.

"We want to make sure kids are safe on their way to school," Wise said.