Fort Wayne, IN – With students back in classrooms across the city, Fort Wayne police are reminding drivers today to slow down and strictly follow school zone rules, especially when crossing guards are present.
According to the Fort Wayne Police Department, officers are seeing recurring violations in school zones that put children, families, and crossing guards in danger during morning arrivals and afternoon dismissals. Police stress that Indiana law requires drivers to obey all instructions given by school crossing guards.
Drivers are reminded to treat a crossing guard’s stop sign exactly like a traditional stop sign. Vehicles must come to a complete stop before the crosswalk and remain stopped until the guard has safely returned to the curb. Passing a stopped vehicle at a crosswalk is prohibited, and right turns are not allowed if a crossing guard is actively in the crosswalk.
Police also emphasize the importance of stopping behind the solid stop line — not inside the crosswalk — to keep pedestrian paths clear for children and families. Yielding to pedestrians at all times in school zones is required, regardless of traffic flow.
“School zones require extraordinary caution,” police said, urging drivers to slow down, stay alert, and be patient during peak school hours. Officers note that many close calls happen when drivers rush through zones or attempt to beat crossing signals.
Fort Wayne police say enforcement will continue throughout the school year, and violations may result in citations or fines under Indiana traffic law. Officials hope the reminder helps prevent injuries and reinforces the shared responsibility drivers have in protecting students.
Residents are encouraged to plan extra travel time during school hours and remain attentive near schools throughout Allen County and the greater Fort Wayne metro area.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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