Cops Cracking Down On Distracted Drivers At School Drop-Offs

ROCKVILLE, MD — Following numerous complaints that drivers are talking on cell phones while dropping children off at schools, the Montgomery County Police Department has launched a crackdown on distracted drivers, according to a news release. So far, only warnings have been given to parents ignoring road safety, officials say, but that will switch to tickets in May.

Police also received comments that drivers are not properly securing children in car seats or not using safety seats. The department recognizes that the arrival of children at school is often a very active time of heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic and safety during this time is a priority, police said.

Part of the crackdown means Traffic Division officers have watched morning traffic near elementary and middle schools. Officers have noted cell phone and seat belt and safety seat violations; that information is then shared with school officials, who in turn shared them with parents and guardians, police said.

In May, Traffic Division officers will begin issuing tickets to enforce laws banning the illegal use of cell phones by drivers and seat belt and safety seat violations around public schools during the morning arrival of students.

Operation "Safe Ride To School" initiative is both an educational and enforcement campaign that focuses on distracted driving and seat belt and child safety seat use around Montgomery County Public school entrances and drop-off lanes during the morning drop-off period.

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