On Tuesday, September 5, the Bend-La Pine School District will begin its 2006 schedule of classes. This will increase both the traffic and pedestrian volume in school zones. The Bend Police Department is reminding drivers who commute through these areas to be aware of the increased numbers of children who will be present in these areas.

Oregon Law has recently changed in regards to school zone postings. ORS 811.111 requires drivers to drive 20 mph in posted school zones from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on days when school is in session -- whether or not children are actually present at the time the violation occurs. Drivers are also required to drive 20 mph in school zones at other non posted times when; children are occupying or walking within a crosswalk, waiting on a curb or shoulder of the highway/street at a crosswalk, or when a crossing guard is present to assist children at a crosswalk.

Drivers are also reminded to watch for school buses at times when they would be picking up or dropping off children. It is a Class A Traffic Infraction to overtake, in either direction, a school bus that is stopped on a roadway and operating its red bus safety lights. Drivers must stop before they reach the vehicle and remain stopped until the bus safety lights are no longer operating.

The Bend Police Department Traffic Unit and patrol team officers will increase enforcement of speed and other violations in posted school zones once school is in session. Base fines are increased by Oregon Law for both school and construction zone violations.