GRAND LEDGE, Mich. — As students return to class, the Grand Ledge Police Department is reminding drivers and pedestrians to be extra cautious in school zones following a recent incident where a student was struck by a vehicle at a different school district.
- Grand Ledge schools had its first day on Tuesday
- Police gave tips reminding neighbors to be careful when driving near school districts
- Video shows a parent and police chief giving their perspectives on safety.
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As kids left class, they held hands with parents,staying on the sidewalks as they walked home. Grand Ledge Police Chief Ron Erickson says safety measures are crucial with thousands of students to consider.
"We're looking at 5,500 students throughout our region that are coming in and out of the Grand Ledge School District," Erickson said.
I caught up with Erickson at Holbrook Elementary School before students got out for the day. Potterville neighbor Irma Arellano was first in line to pick up her granddaughter. Arellano tends to drive cautiously in school zones.
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"Going a little bit below the speed limit just being very careful, making sure that I can stop if I see somebody crossing the road or unsupervised," Arellano said.
The safety reminders come a week after a student in Holt was hit by a vehicle on the first day of school.
"It reiterates what we're trying to talk about. This is exactly what we're trying to prevent. No one wants to hit a pedestrian, particularly a student on top of that," Erickson said.
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Chief Erickson also stressed putting devices down while driving.
"Text message comes through or an email alert we're conditioned to look down even if we're driving a car," Erickson said.
Both officials are reminding neighbors to always keep their eyes open.
"Be alert, be conscious, be safe. Look out for each other, make sure that the parents are looking at the safe routes and sharing them with the kids," Arellano said.
"Be mindful not only of your surroundings. It's a different world," Erickson said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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