With students from kindergarten through 6th grade returning to the classrooms the Medford Police Department provided extra patrol in some school zones today with an emphasis on traffic safety and an education first approach.  It is the goal of the Medford Police Department to improve traffic safety through education and enforcement. During the morning of March 1st our Traffic Team and School Resource Officers issued 29 warnings for speed violations in various school zones in just 2 hours. There were 5 citations issued to drivers traveling at excessive speeds ranging from 17 mph to 22 mph over the posted speed limit. During the operation several citations were issued for other various violations and they are listed below.   

            We ask that drivers be aware of school zones and use caution when driving through them. It is important to know that fines for speed violations increase significantly when they are within a designated school zone. To help with public awareness we have included descriptions for the two categories of reduced school speeds in school zones. We have also included a link to the ODOT website with information on School Zones.

Other Citations Issued:

Driving While Suspended = 2

Driving Uninsured = 2

Operating Without Driving Privileges = 1

Fail to Use Seatbelt = 4

Violation of the Open Container Law = 1

Minor in Possession of Alcohol = 1

Zones Adjacent to School Grounds:

Will have signage displaying the speed limit at 20 MPH When Flashing or School Days 7AM – 5PM.

Zones at School Crosswalks away from Schools Grounds:

Will have signage displaying the speed limit at 20 MPH When Flashing or When Children are Present.

ODOT School Zone Information Link:

https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Engineering/Pages/School-Zones.aspx