With the start of school underway for districts across Central Texas, law enforcement will be looking for drivers who aren’t obeying the rules of the road in school zones.
“School days are upon us. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and skateboarders will be on the sidewalks and crossing roads. Please be aware and pay attention to your surroundings; call and text later. Abide by the speed limits, traffic signs and conditions. Police officers WILL be patrolling! Help make these first days of school happy and safe for everyone! Make the return to school a safe, happy and exciting adventure for the kids and parents,” a statement from the Travis County officials.
Constable George Morales: “We take the safety of our students very seriously in Precinct 4 and surrounding schools. Drivers should obey all school zone traffic laws including yielding to students in crosswalks and observing school speed zones. Drivers who pass buses illegally will be ticketed.”
Constable Stacy Suits of Precinct 3 (Austin and Eanes ISDs) stated: “We have laws to protect our children in school zones and we intend to enforce them. AISD has added cameras to their buses to catch those breaking school bus laws. City and state laws prohibit use of a cell phone in a school zone unless it is a hands-free device.”
Consider these tips:
- plan your morning the night before
- get plenty of rest
- wake up early
- allow extra driving time for traffic, weather and reduced speed in school zones
- watch for pedestrians, bike riders and school buses
Both Constables agree that drivers should not be distracted while driving through school zones and as licensed peace officers, traffic laws will be enforced to ensure the safety of our community’s students. Deputies from these precincts will be monitoring school zones in Austin, Del Valle, Eanes and surrounding school districts.
