ORLANDO, Fla. – Law enforcement officers in the Orlando area are ready for the first day of school -- are you?
On Friday, 33 men and women who make up the Orlando Police Department's traffic enforcement motorcycle unit flashed their lights and turned on their sirens, making sure their new motorcycles are ready for the first day of school.
"In the beginning, we have a lot of violators because people are not used to flashing lights being on anymore after the big school break," said Master Patrol Officer Dirk Merks.
In his 18 years of motorcycle patrol with OPD, Merks said he has seen a lot of near misses with crossing guards and children.
"We've had people run through school zones at 80 mph," he said.
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That's why Orlando police are reminding drivers to be extra careful come Monday morning.
Lt. Tom Woodhall offered some advice to the public Friday before the big day arrives.
"It's important we go out there and make sure our children and everyone is safe," Woodhall said.
Here are some of those tips:
Drivers should also keep in mind the new law when it comes to texting and driving.
As of now, drivers can get ticketed if an officer simply sees a driver texting while driving. Come October, the "hands-free" portion of the new law takes effect, which means drivers can get pulled over if they are on the phone at all in school zones.
Merks said the Orlando Police Department is currently issuing warnings.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina said his deputies will not be so lenient, especially in school zones.
"Remember, we will be strictly enforcing the hands-free new laws that went into effect, specifically for our school zones," Mina said. "All of our traffic enforcement will be out here to enforce in the coming weeks."