Advisory
Meridian Police Department Reminds Community to Prioritize Pedestrian Safety Near Schools
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, October 2nd, 2026
CONTACT: Jordan Robinson, Public Safety PIO 208-846-7360
or [email protected]
Meridian Police Department Reminds Community to Prioritize Pedestrian Safety Near Schools
MERIDIAN – The Meridian Police Department is reminding drivers, parents, and young pedestrians to use extra caution around schools and residential neighborhoods following an increase in recent incidents involving juveniles being struck while walking in or near crosswalks.
While we are thankful that these recent incidents have not resulted in major injuries, they serve as an important reminder that pedestrian safety requires everyone to do their part.
As children travel to and from school, extracurricular activities, and homes, drivers should expect to see more pedestrians in and around neighborhood streets and school zones. Please slow down, stay alert, and keep your eyes on the roadway — especially near marked and unmarked crosswalks, intersections, sidewalks, and areas where children are walking or riding bikes.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to talk with children about pedestrian safety, including:
While we are thankful that these recent incidents have not resulted in major injuries, they serve as an important reminder that pedestrian safety requires everyone to do their part.
As children travel to and from school, extracurricular activities, and homes, drivers should expect to see more pedestrians in and around neighborhood streets and school zones. Please slow down, stay alert, and keep your eyes on the roadway — especially near marked and unmarked crosswalks, intersections, sidewalks, and areas where children are walking or riding bikes.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to talk with children about pedestrian safety, including:
- Use sidewalks whenever they are available.
- Cross streets at designated crosswalks whenever possible.
- Stop and look both ways before entering a roadway.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing and never assume a vehicle sees you.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions such as phones or headphones when walking near traffic.
- Walk, don't run, when crossing the street.
- Follow crossing signals and obey traffic signs.
- Be especially cautious when walking through neighborhoods where vehicles may be entering or leaving driveways.
Drivers also play an important role in keeping our youngest community members safe. Slow down in school zones and residential neighborhoods, eliminate distractions, and actively look for pedestrians. Children can be unpredictable and may enter the roadway unexpectedly, so drivers should be prepared to stop.
As we move into the fall and winter months, the days are getting shorter and visibility can change quickly. Morning and afternoon commutes may now occur in lower-light conditions, making it more difficult to see pedestrians — particularly children wearing dark clothing. Drivers should use extra caution during these times and ensure their windshield and headlights are clean and functioning properly.
Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility. A few extra seconds of awareness from a driver, or a few extra safety habits from a young pedestrian, can make a significant difference.
The Meridian Police Department encourages families to take a few minutes this week to have a conversation about safe walking habits and reminds everyone to slow down, stay alert, and watch for one another.
As we move into the fall and winter months, the days are getting shorter and visibility can change quickly. Morning and afternoon commutes may now occur in lower-light conditions, making it more difficult to see pedestrians — particularly children wearing dark clothing. Drivers should use extra caution during these times and ensure their windshield and headlights are clean and functioning properly.
Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility. A few extra seconds of awareness from a driver, or a few extra safety habits from a young pedestrian, can make a significant difference.
The Meridian Police Department encourages families to take a few minutes this week to have a conversation about safe walking habits and reminds everyone to slow down, stay alert, and watch for one another.
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The Meridian Police Department’s mission is to provide the highest quality service in partnership with the community to preserve and protect life and property through education, prevention and enforcement. The department has 151 police officers, and 46 non-sworn staff dedicated to making Meridian a great place to live, work and raise a family.
The Meridian Police Department’s mission is to provide the highest quality service in partnership with the community to preserve and protect life and property through education, prevention and enforcement. The department has 151 police officers, and 46 non-sworn staff dedicated to making Meridian a great place to live, work and raise a family.
Address/Location
Meridian Police Department
1401 E Watertower St
Meridian, ID 83642
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 208-888-6678
TEXT-A-TIP - Text TIP MERIDIAN followed by your message, to 888777