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Today is the day that the rest of Southeast Texas returns to school! Traffic was heavy this morning and will continue to be throughout the school year.
According to Texas statute, a driver – traveling in either direction on a roadway – must stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped and operating a visual signal. The driver may not proceed until one of the following occurs: the school bus resumes motion; the operator is signaled by the bus driver to proceed; or the visual signal is no longer activated.
If a road is divided only by a left-turning lane, drivers on both sides of the roadway must stop for school buses with alternating red flashing lights activated. However, if the lanes are separated by an intervening space or physical barrier, only motorists traveling in the same direction as the bus are required to stop.
(As a reminder, school buses, by law, must stop at all railroad crossings)
Here are several safety measures drivers can take to help keep children safer:
• When driving in school zones, watch out for student pedestrians.
• Slow down and watch for children congregating near bus stops.
• Look for children who might dart into the street without checking for traffic.
• Know and obey the traffic laws regarding school buses in Texas.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office will have extra patrols in the school zones for the next few weeks to insure the safety of your children. We will also be patrolling the roadways making sure that motorists obey the traffic laws. Passing a school bus while loading or unloading can bring a fine from $500.00 - $1,250.00.
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8/27/2018 9:42 AM
Crystal Holmes, PIO
cholmes@co.jefferson.tx.us