Scotts Valley Police Department is gearing up for “Operation Safe Passage,” a safety initiative aimed at enhancing the well-being of students during their daily commutes to and from school.
Running from Aug. 8-16, the operation seeks to ensure a safe environment for the start of the new academic year.
During this period, additional officers will be deployed to enforce traffic regulations in school zones throughout Scotts Valley. The police will focus on a range of traffic violations, including speeding, failing to yield to pedestrians, jaywalking and infractions involving juvenile bicyclists, such as not wearing helmets.
Other violations under scrutiny will include cell phone use while driving, texting, stop sign disregard and obstruction of intersections.
Captain Jayson Rutherford emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The new school year is an exciting time for students and parents. The majority of parents opt to accompany their children to school the first few weeks, causing a significant increase in vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The mission of Operation Safe Passage is to provide safety and security for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike.”
Rutherford also urged drivers to allow extra time for their journeys, particularly when dropping off or picking up children, to accommodate the anticipated surge in traffic.
