September 1st marks the start of the 2009 - 2010 Madison school year. As a reminder, please make sure to drive carefully, especially in school zones, obeying all traffic laws. Also, please observe all parking regulations around our schools, including school traffic safety and student drop off plans. For further details on those plans, please refer to the following link:

http://www.publichealthmdc.com/family/safetyAndInjuryPrevention/SchoolTr...

Although law enforcement efforts are an important part of public safety, we rely heavily on the cooperation of the public to be aware of and to follow all traffic laws, whether as a pedestrian, bicyclist or motorist. The public can make the greatest impact towards traffic safety by modeling safe behaviors.

Please remember to "buckle up." State law now allows law enforcement to stop a vehicle when the driver is not observed wearing a safety belt. The Madison Police Department also reminds motorists that state law requires that vehicles yield right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks. The Madison Police Department supports the "Zero In Wisconsin" campaign and believes that we all can make a difference. Remember - don't drink and drive!