Takoma Park Police are reminding drivers to keep school crosswalks clear and unobstructed at all times, following recent reports of vehicles parking or stopping in designated crosswalk areas near schools.
According to police, blocking a crosswalk creates a serious safety hazard for crossing guards, students, parents, and other pedestrians. Vehicles parked in or too close to crosswalks can limit visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, making it harder for motorists to see children entering the roadway and harder for children to see approaching traffic.
Police noted that crossing guards rely on clear sightlines and open crossing areas to safely guide children across busy streets, especially during school arrival and dismissal times. When a crosswalk is blocked, pedestrians, particularly young children, may be forced to walk around vehicles and into active traffic lanes outside the protected crossing area.
School zones are designed with traffic controls and pedestrian safety measures to protect students and other vulnerable pedestrians. Police are asking drivers to exercise patience, caution, and compliance with posted parking and traffic regulations near schools, noting that even brief stops in prohibited areas can create serious risks.
