School Zone Traffic Safety

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Motorists Urged to Use Caution

The new school year starts on September 1 for the School District of Beloit, bringing new changes and the reminder for motorists to use caution when driving near school zones.

The final facilities referendum project, the construction of Fruzen Intermediate School has been completed, and students will begin school there this fall. Just like the other school buildings, district staff have been working closely with the City of Beloit to ensure the safety of all. While parents are being notified of safe drop-off and pick-up procedures at their respective schools, the plans will be posted on the School District of Beloit website for the community to view.

The City of Beloit and the School District of Beloit take safety in school zones very seriously. Below is a list of common signs found in school zones and they are accompanied with safety tips. The goal of educating the drivers is to increase voluntary compliance with the traffic laws. Please note that the Beloit Police Department will patrol the school zones year round to ensure the laws are being followed. Fine amounts in school zones are doubled and start at $223.00.

Signage

School signs are typically yellow or fluorescent yellow-green in color. The shape of school signs is typically a pentagon (pointed up) or a large rectangle indicating the speed limit information. Below are examples of typical school signage used within the City of Beloit.

Figure 1
School Zone Sign

Figure 1 – School Zone Sign is used to alert drivers to that they are entering a school zone area

Figure 2
School Speed Limit Sign

Figure 2 – School Speed Limit Sign is used to alert drivers to a change in the speed limit within the school zone area. In Wisconsin, the fixed speed limit for school zones is 15 MPH.

Figure 3
School Crossing Sign

Figure 3 – School Crossing Sign is used to indicate a crosswalk within a school zone.

Figure 4
In Street School Crossing

Figure 4 – In-Street School Crossing Sign is used as additional warning to drivers to indicate a crosswalk within a school zone.

Figure 5
Flashing School Crossing Sign

Figure 5 – Flashing School Crossing Sign (Installed on Cranston Road)-sign will flash when activated by pedestrian. Used as an additional warning to drivers to indicate a pedestrian is about to enter the school crosswalk.

Tips for Drivers

Slow down in school zones; the official posted speed limit when traveling through a school zone is 15 MPH.
Drivers must utilize the new parking configurations or use designated pick-up/drop-off lanes when dropping off or picking up students.
When dropping your kids off at school, please allow an extra few minutes in case traffic is heavy.
Do not park in areas posted with “No Parking” signs or designated “No-Parking Zones.”
Be alert. Children are unpredictable and are likely to dart between cars or forget to look both ways before crossing in front of vehicles. Child safety is a priority.
Do not text or talk on the phone while driving.

Walking or Biking to and from school

Everyone must follow traffic signals and rules when walking or biking to and from school.
Cross the street at crosswalks or intersections with crossing guards whenever possible. Never cross between parked cars.
Always stop, look all directions and listen before crossing the street at crosswalks or intersections.
Make sure students know a safe route to and from their school. Map out a route and check periodically to make sure that the students are following the designated route.
Be aware of your surroundings. Students should watch for slow moving vehicles or parked cars that are occupied.
Students should tell an adult if they feel uncomfortable with their surroundings.
Do not text while walking.

The School District has over 15 crossing guards stationed throughout the City to help students safely cross the street. All of the School District crossing guards have a stop paddle to use when guiding students across the street. Drivers must stop if they are directed by the school crossing guard to stop. Drivers shall stop their vehicle and remain stopped until the school crossing guard directs the drivers to proceed. The fine for failure to stop for an adult crossing guard is $188.00.

Figure 6
Stop Paddle

Figure 6 – Typical stop paddle used by crossing guards within Beloit

Figure 7
Flashing Stop Paddle

Figure 7 – Enhanced flashing stop paddle used by crossing guards at specific school locations within Beloit.

Traffic Safety Pages – By School

The Beloit Police Department and the School District of Beloit are committed keeping the community safe. Please partner with us by doing your part and together we will have a safe school year.

Please refer to the School District of Beloit’s website for more information about a specific school.

School Traffic Safety – Overview

Aldrich Intermediate – School Traffic Safety

Beloit Memorial High School – School Traffic Safety

Converse Elementary – School Traffic Safety

Fruzen Intermediate – School Traffic Safety

Gaston Elementary – School Traffic Safety

McNeel Intermediate – School Traffic Safety

Merrill Elementary – School Traffic Safety

Robinson Elementary – School Traffic Safety

Todd Elementary – School Traffic Safety