Fort Wayne, IN – With students back in classrooms, Fort Wayne police are urging drivers to slow down and strictly follow crossing guard instructions in school zones, warning that even brief lapses can lead to serious injuries.
According to the Fort Wayne Police Department, Indiana law requires all motorists to obey the signals and directions of school crossing guards, treating their stop signs the same as standard traffic stop signs. Police say recent observations show drivers rolling through crosswalks, stopping in restricted areas, or proceeding too early while guards are still present.
Drivers are reminded to stop their vehicles before entering a school crossing zone whenever a crossing guard signals them to do so. Officers say motorists must remain stopped until the guard has fully returned to the curb, even if the crosswalk appears clear.
Police also stress that drivers must not stop inside the crosswalk, but instead stop at the solid line behind it to keep pedestrian paths clear. Turning right through a crosswalk is prohibited when a crossing guard is present, regardless of traffic flow.
“School zones require extraordinary caution,” the department noted, emphasizing that children can be unpredictable and may enter the roadway unexpectedly. Drivers are also prohibited from passing any vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk.
The reminder applies across Fort Wayne, Allen County, and nearby neighborhoods where school foot traffic increases during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal times. Police say enforcement may increase during peak school hours to ensure compliance.
Residents are encouraged to allow extra travel time, remain patient, and stay alert near schools—especially during early morning and mid-afternoon periods.
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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