FWPD Crack Down on School Zone Safety Violations

As thousands of students return to area schools on Monday, the Fort Worth Police Department’s Traffic Division will crack down on school zone safety violations. Officers will target major thoroughfares marked as school zones in the morning and afternoon Monday through Friday.

Enforcement will focus on speeding, passing stopped school buses and illegal cell phone use.
Motorists should use caution, be alert and slow down in school zones and around school buses. It is unlawful to pass a school bus when it is stopped and loading or unloading passengers.


Drivers are prohibited from using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle in a school crossing zone unless the vehicle is stopped or the device is used with a hands-free attachment. School zone violations carry stiff penalties. School zone speed limits are 20 mph; the fine for a violation can be as high as $500.

So it's important for kids - and grown-ups - to take a few precautions to prevent accidents. Here are a few recommendations from safety advocates:

Here’s the Law:

• Stop for flashing red lights on a school bus, regardless of which direction you’re headed.
• Continue your trip once the bus has moved, the flashing lights stop flashing or the bus driver signals it’s okay to pass.
• Violations can lead to a $1,000 fine.

 
Safety Tips for Motorists

• Obey the posted speed limit.Fines double in school zones.
• Keep an eye on children gathered at bus stops.
• Watch for children who might dart across the street to catch the bus.

Safety Tips for Students

• Respect your school bus driver and follow these rules:
• Stand far back when you are waiting for the bus.Sit still so the driver can pay attention to the road.
• Look both ways if you have to cross the street after getting off the bus, or wait for the driver to signal it’s safe to cross the street.

Pedestrians

• Yield to vehicles on the roadway if you cross the street at a place other than a marked crosswalk or pedestrian tunnel or crossing. 
• If you’re hit while jaywalking, the driver may not be liable, and his or her auto insurance may not cover your injuries.
• Stay on sidewalks and the right-hand side of crosswalks. 
• Drivers are supposed to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• If the road has no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.

Pedestrian Tips

• Always cross at intersections. Look left, then right, then left again before proceeding.Look for traffic when stepping off a bus or from behind parked cars.
• As a passenger, get in or out of a car on the curb side of the street.
• Make eye contact with drivers before you cross the street.