Arizona court ruling highlights school safety as kids head back to class
Adrik Vargas
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – As kids return to class in Yuma, police are reminding families and drivers to stay alert during those busy morning and afternoon hours.
Traffic tends to pick up around school zones, and officers say it is important that both drivers and students stay aware of their surroundings.
The reminder comes just days after a major ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court. The court decided that schools are not legally responsible for keeping students safe when they are off campus.
The case involved a high school student from Phoenix who was hit by a car while jaywalking in front of the school in 2021. The court said schools are only responsible when students are on campus or under school supervision.
With that in mind, Yuma Police are encouraging families to take extra care during the walk or drive to school. Officer Hayato Johnson says kids should not be distracted.
“Make sure they’re paying attention to where they’re walking. Not walking with their phone in their hands. Eyes to the screen. Not paying attention to where they’re stepping next,” he said.
Officers are also urging drivers to slow down in school zones and be extra careful near crosswalks and bus stops.
“Kids don’t know any better. They cross the street and won’t always look both ways no matter how many times they’re told to,” Officer Johnson said. “And drivers, with daily distractions, forget they’re in school zones.”
One local parent, Teresa Ward, said she does not feel comfortable letting her son walk to school alone.
“Just for my security, he could do it. I just don’t feel comfortable. I read the news too much and I’m not very trusting of some people,” said Ward.
As students head back to class, Johnson hopes the community will keep one thing in mind.
“We’re all somebody’s brother, sister, uncle or parent. Treat school zones like your own kids are walking through them too,” Johnson spoke.
Whether or not you have kids, police say keeping students safe is something everyone can help with.