Lafayette police stepping up traffic patrols in school zones

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Lafayette police are stepping up traffic patrols across the city to ensure students returning to school are safe.

Police say many students walk or ride their bike to school and bus traffic will also be increasing soon too.

Lafayette Police Traffic Technician Matthew Devine said the increased patrols will ensure that students are getting to and from school safely.

"A lot of times the students don't think about traffic and they'll dart out into the traffic, they'll ride their bike out into traffic and so that 20 mile an hour speed limit gives motorists extra time to slow down and react to any type of hazard that comes out into the roadway," Devine said.

Devine adds that students should make sure to walk on the sidewalks, listen to crossing guards, and always cross the street at crosswalks.

Lafayette School Corporation will head back to school August 27.

County and private schools will start next Tuesday, August 14.