The City of Marshall on Tuesday announced an initiative emphasizing school speed safety to protect students.

“In an effort to protect children and ensure safer school environments, the Marshall Police Department is reminding all drivers to slow down and remain vigilant when traveling through school areas,” the release stated. “The department is launching a renewed enforcement and education campaign focused on school zone speed safety to reduce the risk of traffic-related injuries and protect our youngest community members.”

The department urges all motorists to:

• Obey posted speed limits in school zones.

• Stay alert for children crossing the street or exiting vehicles.

• Avoid distractions, including mobile devices, while driving.

• Follow directions given by school crossing guards and officers.

“Children are some of our most vulnerable road users,” said Jim Marshall, Director of Public Safety. “Reducing speed in school zones can significantly reduce the likelihood and severity of accidents. Drivers need to understand that a few extra seconds of patience can make all the difference. We are committed to ensuring every child gets to and from school safely.”

The release stated toward the end that law enforcement will have a stronger presence near school zones to monitor compliance and issue citations to violators. Parents and guardians and school staff were urged to report unsafe driving behavior.

We applaud effort by law enforcement to keep students safe while walking or riding bikes to school.

However, we urge law enforcement to take one step further. Main Street in the downtown area can be dangerous for pedestrians during the morning rush hour. We have noticed some drivers ignoring walk signals at crosswalks and turning into pedestrians who attempt crossing the street. Or dangerously creeping up on pedestrians as they cross the street.

Some drivers just need a reminder that following crosswalk rules intended to keep pedestrians safe are not optional. They are in place to prevent tragedies.