(WNY News Now) – Olean, N.Y. – School Zones in Focus: City Leaders Urge Caution as Over 2,000 Students Return.
As the City of Olean gears up for the new school year, over 2,000 students will soon be navigating the streets on their way to various schools. Mayor William J. Aiello and Olean Police Chief Ron Richardson are urging residents to stay vigilant and adhere to road safety rules, particularly in school zones.
The Olean City School District has four schools located on East Spring Street, Washington Street, Wayne Street and West Sullivan Street. Southern Tier Catholic School is located in the former St. John’s School on North Union Street. The New Life Christian School is also located on North Union Street. Head Start is housed on East Elm Street and the former Boardmanville School on Main Street hosts the BOCES affiliated Rise Academy.
“Please beware of the posted speed zones around each school,” said Chief Richardson. “Motorists should be alert and reduce speed when necessary. They should also be aware of crosswalks and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalks.”
There are two crossing guards to assist children to safely cross the street and parents should remind their children to cross with the guard. The guards will be located, before and after school, at the Olean Intermediate Middle School and on 15th Street near Washington West Elementary. Motorists should be alert to the crossing guards and stop their vehicle when told to do so.
School buses are also on the roads. “Motorists should be aware that it is illegal to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload students,” said Chief Richardson. “School buses are equipped with yellow flashing lights that remind motorists that the bus is preparing to stop. Red flashing lights signal that the school bus has stopped and motorists on both sides of the road must stop as well. Keep an eye on the children after they exit the bus; make sure that they are on the sidewalk and out of harm’s way before driving away. Children can be unpredictable after they get off a bus.”
“It is important that drivers pay special attention to children walking to school as they may sometimes abruptly enter the roadway,” Mayor Aiello added. “Be observant of the flashing speed limit school zone signs near the Olean schools, reduce your speed and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalks. The Olean Police Department will be out actively enforcing violations.”
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