The purpose of this resource is to provide a unique and positive way for school communities to work with police to educate drivers on the dangers of speeding in school zones. It is intended for students in Grades 4 through 8.
Description
A group of students, working with local police officers and supervised by their teacher and/or school volunteers, use radar devices to measure vehicle speeds in an area close to the school where speeding has been identified as a problem. The chosen location must have a safe place for students to stand without obstructing other pedestrians.
When a driver is caught speeding, a police officer pulls them over and asks if they will listen to a message from a student. If the driver agrees, a student then walks over to the vehicle and, with the officer at their side, reads a message outlining the dangers of speeding and the amount of the fine the driver would normally have to pay. They then issue an Educational Ticket to the driver.
What you will need
- Local police officers
- Teachers/volunteers to supervise
- 1 speed radar device per group of students
- Educational tickets
- Information about fines/demerit points/risk of pedestrian death for amount over speed limit
For each group of students (max. 15), it is recommended to have 2 police officers (1 to help students with the radar device, 1 to pull over vehicles) and 2 teachers or volunteers to manage students (e.g., taking turns).
Who can help
Local police service, classroom teachers, other school staff, and parents and caregivers. Ask your local police service if they can support this event. You may want to show them this Students Stop Speeders video by the Toronto Police Services.
Key words
Speed, traffic, safety, police, ticket, school zone.