Washoe County schools are back open, which means lots of students will be walking to and from schools.
Officers are reminding drivers of pedestrian safety not just in school zones, but everywhere, especially after a recent crash this past weekend on the corner of 4th and Sage Street.
Friday night a car hit a person on 4th and Sage Streets, sending that pedestrian to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Reno police are asking drivers to not underestimate the dangers of driving a car.
Chris Johnson, public information officer for RPD, says, "Whenever you get behind the wheel of a car, drivers need to get serious because it is a heavy vehicle that can potentially cause a lot of damage to property or individuals if you were to get into a crash or a wreck or an accident or something like that."
Last month Reno Police conducted a pedestrian and school zone safety operation resulting in 77 traffic citations, 39 warnings, and even one DUI arrest.
Johnson says now that the holidays and winter break are over drivers need to expect to see a lot more foot traffic.
Washoe County School Police say to slow down, stay off your phones, and look out for school zones because not all of them have flashing lights.
Chief Tracy Moore, says, "School's back in session and you got to remember to slow it down in those school zones. Speed limit is 15 miles per hour, no U-turns in school zone. As you're traveling through and see students, please make sure they make eye contact with you, and you make eye contact with them."
If you are distracted while driving, speeding, passing through a crosswalk while students are still crossing, that could lead to fines as high as $700.
Police also want to remind pedestrians to do their part in staying safe. Look both ways before crossing the street, use crosswalks, and make eye contact with drivers to ensure they can see you.
