In a continuing effort to keep local students safe during the school day, the Kent Police Department has partnered with the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission to purchase and install flashing signals for school zones located throughout the city.
Funding for these high-visibility signals comes from Traffic Safety grants that pay for the flashing lights, lighting hardware and approved signs and markings.
School zones are utilized to alert drivers, save lives, and prevent serious injuries. They are located in close proximity to elementary schools throughout the City and are intended to provide safe access routes for students.
Reduced speed limits are one of the tools used to increase safety in school zones. These flashing signals augment the reduced speed limit by providing a visual cue that alert drivers to the presence of young students and the reduced speed limit.
The Kent Police Department, Kent Public Works-Engineering and the Kent School District Transportation Department have worked together to prioritize elementary school zones in need of flashing lights. There are now 13 school zones using these enhanced devices.
The most recent expansion brought Park Orchard Elementary school into that network. Installation was completed last week and students are now enjoying a safer route to their school.
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