El Centro, California - Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit is reminding drivers to watch their speed around schools.

When driving within 500 to 1,000 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street, the speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted.

Near schools, look for:

• Bicyclists and pedestrians.
• School safety patrols or crossing guards. Be sure to obey their directions. For the crossing guard’s safety, allow them to safely get to the side of the road before driving ahead.
• Stopped school buses and children crossing the street. When the bus flashes red lights (located at the top front and back of the bus), you must stop from either direction until the children are safely across the street and the lights stop flashing. The law requires you remain stopped as long as the red lights are flashing.