The Lake Havasu City Police Department reminds drivers to be alert for students headed to and from school as the first day of school begins this week.   Speed limits are reduced in all school zones and officers are watching to ensure the safety of the community.

Here are a few reminders to help keep everyone safe:

A vehicle approaching a school zone shall not proceed at a speed of more than fifteen miles per hour between the portable signs placed on the roadway during the time specified.    Motorists are required to stop if anyone is present anywhere within the school crosswalk when the portable signs are in the street.   Motorists may only proceed after all pedestrians exit the crosswalk.   Motorists cannot pass any other slower or stopped vehicle in a school zone.

On meeting or approaching a school bus that has stopped on a roadway with flashing red lights, the driver of a vehicle must come to a complete stop before reaching the bus.  The driver shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the stop signal and flashing red lights are no longer displayed.

For students traveling to and from school on a bicycle, helmets are considered a vital piece of safety equipment and are recommended but not required.  Cyclists must obey all traffic signs, signals and lane markings.   Cyclists must ride with traffic, never against it.  Persons under 16 years of age operating skateboards, scooters or skates on any public roadway or sidewalk are required to wear a protective helmet.  Cyclists must also use a white headlight and a red reflector when cycling before sunrise or after sunset.

Please avoid distractions while you are driving, especially when entering a school zone.   Expect delays during school hours and leave yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination. 

Public Information Officer:  Sergeant Tom Gray (928) 855-1171