City, School District Share Back-to-School Safety Reminders

With Sioux Falls School District students returning to classrooms Thursday, Aug. 27, the City of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Police Department and Sioux Falls School District are reminding drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists to slow down, stay alert, and prepare for increased traffic and activity near schools and neighborhoods.

Drivers should obey posted speed limits, watch for children and pedestrians, yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and allow extra travel time during school arrival and dismissal. Residents also should plan for street construction and temporary traffic changes that may affect school-day routes.

"School brings more pedestrians, bicyclists, buses and vehicles onto our streets, so everyone needs to stay alert," said Troy Miller, principal traffic engineer for the city. "We use a variety of tools to improve safety at crossings, but drivers still need to slow down, pay attention and yield to pedestrians."

Traffic Safety Around Schools

The city uses rectangular rapid flashing beacons, or RRFBs, at some pedestrian crossings. The pedestrian-activated beacons are designed to make pedestrians more visible to drivers but do not replace stop signs or traffic signals.

Pedestrians using a crosswalk with an RRFB should:

• Press the button to activate the beacon before entering the crosswalk.
• Wait for approaching traffic to yield.
• Look both ways before crossing.
• Cross in the marked crosswalk.

Drivers approaching a crosswalk should watch for pedestrians and follow traffic laws, including posted signs and signals. Drivers also should check for pedestrians before backing out of driveways and remain alert for children who may be walking or bicycling.

Bicyclists should follow traffic laws and watch for turning vehicles and pedestrians at intersections and crossings.

"Drivers will see more children walking and biking, more buses stopping and more activity around schools," said Andrew Siebenborn, lieutenant with the Sioux Falls Police Department. "Slow down, put distractions away and be prepared for children who may not always follow the rules perfectly."

Plan for Construction and Traffic Changes

Street construction and temporary traffic changes may affect routes to and from schools. Drivers should check current construction information, allow extra travel time and use caution in work zones.

On I-229 and Cliff Avenue, work is underway on the east side of Cliff Avenue, south of I-229. One lane remains open in each direction. Drivers should expect potential delays, particularly during Lincoln High School arrival and dismissal times.

For information about other street construction projects, visit siouxfalls.gov/construction.

Report, Don't Repost

Students, parents, staff, and community members are encouraged to follow "Report, Don't Repost," an initiative used by the Sioux Falls School District when addressing threatening content on social media. Anyone who encounters threatening content should report it to law enforcement rather than reposting, sharing or otherwise spreading it. Reporting allows law enforcement to investigate the content and determine whether further action is needed.

If you see something on one of your social media channels that appears to be a threat, don't repost it, share it or otherwise spread it," said Dave Osterquist, security coordinator for the Sioux Falls School District. "The responsible thing to do is to report threatening content to police immediately so it can be addressed."

For an immediate safety concern, call 911.

School Visitors and Safety

The Sioux Falls School District has safety and security procedures in place to protect students and staff.

Visitors are welcome in school buildings but must follow school check-in procedures during the school day, including presenting a photo ID.

For more information about the Sioux Falls School District's school safety efforts, visit Safe Secure Schools.