The following is a press release from the Bellevue Police Department:

Students who attend Bellevue schools will head back to class on Tuesday, September 1st. The Bellevue Police Department will be working to ensure that drivers in school zones within the city obey traffic laws. Please remember when yellow lights are flashing in school speed zones, the speed limit is reduced to 20 MPH. In other school zones, the 20 MPH limit is in effect when children are present, so, be prepared to slow down, and keep an eye out for kids. Also remember to stop for school buses when the lights are flashing or the stop bar is out, or be prepared for a hefty fine. In addition to enforcing the speed limit within school zones, officers will also be on the lookout for drivers that are distracted by electronic devices in their vehicles, and other accident causing traffic violations.

The City’s Photo Enforcement Cameras will be operating during school hours at Stevenson Elementary School, Lake Hills Elementary School, and Sunset Elementary School. The Bellevue Police Department offers the following safety tips for drivers and pedestrians:

• Slow down in school zones. The stopping distance of a vehicle traveling 30 miles per hour is nearly twice the stopping distance of a vehicle traveling 20 miles per hour.
• Pay attention while driving; don’t be distracted by electronic devices or cell phones.
• Stop for pedestrians and children getting on and off the school buses. It is unlawful to pass a school bus when the red lights are flashing.
• Watch for pedestrians when entering a school driveway or turning a corner.
• Stop behind the crosswalk at intersections to allow room for pedestrians.
• Pedestrians should use crosswalks and cross with the crossing sign or light.
• If your kids walk to school, make sure they know the rules of the road and your expectations.