As students begin heading back to school, the Levelland Police Department is encouraging caution and adherence to safety measures implemented to protect students, staff and fellow drivers this school year.
This includes tips on how to safely drop off and pick up a child from school, drive cautiously through school zones and talk to family and loved ones about staying safe this school year and beyond.
Classes will begin for Levelland ISD and Whitharral ISD on Tuesday, August 19, while classes have already started for Sundown ISD, Morton ISD, Whiteface CISD, Ropes ISD, Anton ISD and Smyer ISD.
LPD Sgt. Parker emphasized the importance of staying focused on the road and off of the phone will driving through school zones.
“A lot of it [violations] is speeding within the school zones during drop off and pick up hours,” said Parker. “Use of the phone in the school zone is the second biggest one. You are not supposed to use your phones period. Not even a hands free device as well.”
Driving tips include: Give students extra room and do not assume they are paying attention to the vehicle.
Students are often distracted by mobile devices, listening to electronic devices or by other students and they may not be paying attention to their surroundings.
Don’t block crosswalks when stopped at a red light or stop sign. Follow the directions of school crossing guards.
Watch for children on bicycles traveling to and from schools.
Reduce speed when a school bus is spotted and know children may unexpectedly step into the road without checking for oncoming traffic.
Be careful around railroad crossings. School buses are legally required to stop at them.
Know the laws regarding school buses.
According to Texas law, if a bus has alternating flashing red signals visible from the front or rear, drivers must stop before reaching the bus.
Drivers can only proceed if the flashing lights are no longer activated, the driver signals you to proceed or the bus has resumed driving.
Approaching drivers do not have to stop for a school bus that is operating a visual signal if the road is separated by a physical barrier or an intervening space. If a highway is only divided by a leftturn lane, it is not considered divided and drivers must stop for school buses.
Drivers who illegally pass a school bus face fines up to $1,250 for the first offense.
For people convicted of the offense more than once, the law allows for the person’s driver license to be suspended for up to six months. Criminal charges are possible if a driver causes someone serious bodily injury.
In addition to driver safety tips in-and-around school zones and near school buses, it is imperative to have regular conversations with children about school safety and situational awareness during an emergency or severe weather event.
Thesef critical safety tips ensure parents, guardians and children are prepared to navigate any potential emergencies or natural disasters that may arise this school year.
Safety tips include: Ensure the school has up-todate emergency contact information, including phone numbers for parents, guardians and alternate contacts.
Keep a current, up-to-date picture of the child throughout the school year on your mobile device that shows identifying information. In the event of an emergency, law enforcement can quickly distribute an updated photograph of your child.
Talk to the child about what to do in case of emergencies, such as fire drills, active shooter drills, tornado drills or other lockdowns. Remind the child to never talk to strangers or accept rides from anyone not previously approved by you.
Familiarize yourself and the child with their school’s safety policies and procedures.
Ensure the child knows which adults at school (teachers, counselors, etc.) they can go to if they need help. Continue to cultivate conversations throughout the school year on practicing smart safety at school.