Published: August 12, 2006 08:41 pm      

Time to watch for kids and cars

With the start of classes this past week, drivers also need to be more aware that school zones are once again ticket zones.

In Corsicana for both Thursday and Friday, police were stationed at major intersections, and they were out giving citations to speeders who forgot the 20-mile-per-hour limits, and to parents who were parking in fire zones.

“It’s just routine patrol,” said Ladena Baggett, assistant police chief. “And we have all our crossing guards out.”

School zones are just one area where drivers need to be aware, though. For many children, the biggest danger from cars is while boarding and exiting school buses on country roads or in neighborhoods.

“Although school buses are the safest form of transportation for students, the most dangerous time of the journey is when children are entering or exiting the bus,” said Department of Public Safety Director Thomas A. Davis, Jr. “When a school bus is loading or unloading students, the law requires that drivers stop on most roadways.”

State law requires approaching drivers from either direction to stop when a school bus is halted and using its “stop” signal, either a pop-up stop sign near the driver’s window, or flashing lights. The other drivers can’t start going again until the bus resumes its journey, or the bus driver signals to them to proceed, either by hand motion or when the sign is taken down.

Drivers don’t have to stop on highways where there’s a median or concrete barrier, as out on east or west Texas 31, outside the city. However, if it’s not separate, or its separated only by a left-turn lane, like parts of West Seventh Avenue, drivers must still stop when buses are stopped.

The punishment for drivers who don’t stop for school buses is a fine of up to $1,000. More than one conviction can lead to a six-month drivers license suspension.

“Department of Public Safety has a zero tolerance for vehicles that pass stopped school buses,” said DPS Col. Davis. “Drivers must slow down, obey school zone speed limits and stop for school buses to ensure the safety of Texas school children.”

Corsicana police also urge drivers to report any flashing school zone lights that appear to be burned out.

“Everybody’s trying to be safe,” Baggett said.

—————

Janet Jacobs may be contacted via e-mail at jacobs@corsicanadailysun.com