City Announces Increased Traffic Enforcement Ahead of MCCSC School Year

With the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) school year beginning Wednesday, Aug. 6, the Bloomington Police Department (BPD) has started a traffic safety blitz focused on making Bloomington streets safer for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and students returning to school.

Motorists should expect to see increased traffic enforcement throughout the city, especially in areas identified through crash data and resident complaints about unsafe driving. BPD has worked with data analysts to identify intersections and corridors with higher crash activity and recurring concerns about traffic violations.

Enforcement will focus on areas with documented crash patterns, school-year traffic concerns, and repeated resident complaints. Drivers are encouraged to use extra caution near schools, crosswalks, bus stops, bike lanes, and areas with heavy pedestrian activity.

During the safety blitz, officers will take a targeted, zero-tolerance approach to violations commonly reported by residents, including:

• speeding;
• disregarding stop signs and traffic signals;
• failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks;
• turning right on red where prohibited;
• using a cell phone while driving; and
• other unsafe driving behaviors that put pedestrians, bicyclists, students, and motorists at risk.

Drivers stopped for these violations should expect enforcement action, including citations.

The safety blitz comes as Bloomington prepares for increased school-year traffic, including school buses, student pedestrians, bicyclists, families, and returning IU traffic. BPD is reminding motorists to slow down, stay alert, follow posted signs and signals, yield to pedestrians, and keep phones put away while driving.

“Our goal is simple: to make Bloomington’s roadways safer for everyone who uses them,” said Captain Ryan Pedigo of the Bloomington Police Department. “With children heading back to school and more pedestrians and bicyclists moving through the city, we are asking drivers to slow down, pay attention, follow traffic laws, and help us keep the community safe.” 

To reach the Bloomington Police Department for non-emergency matters, please call 812-339-4477.