With students returning to class on August 14 for the 2025–26 school year, the Vian Police Department is ramping up efforts to ensure streets are safe for children heading back to school.

Beginning last Friday, officers launched their annual “Drive to Keep the Children Alive” campaign, focusing on traffic safety around school zones.

Police Chief Mark Harkins announced the initiative this week, emphasizing that the goal is to increase awareness and prevent accidents, not to issue citations.

“We want to be proactive and get drivers in the mindset of the busy roads coming,” Harkins said. “It’s about keeping our kids safe.”

The department will be strictly enforcing traffic laws, particularly in the following areas:

• Student crosswalk safety

• Proper procedures when school buses are loading or unloading children

• Speeding and cell phone use in school zones

• Texting while driving Additionally, drivers are reminded of a key traffic change near the school campus: Leftwich Street will become a one-way road during morning dropoff and afternoon pickup times beginning on Aug. 14.

Officers will maintain a visible presence near schools throughout the campaign, offering reminders and warnings as needed.

“This enforcement is to promote safety and will primarily be aimed at awareness,” Harkins said.

The Vian Police Department encourages all motorists to stay alert, slow down and put safety first as students return to classrooms.

For more information, residents can contact the Vian Police Department.