School starts Monday: Watch for kids, buses

Time to keep an eye out for students

Area schools are headed back to school on Monday and that means the time before school starts and the afternoon are going to be busier on the roads.

Drivers need to keep their eyes open and step up safety around school zones, crosswalks, bus stops and wherever children may gather.

• Be ready to driver slower in school zones and bus stops

• Always stop for school buses with flashing red lights. Drivers approaching the bus must come to a full stop while the red lights are on.

• Anticipate traffic ahead of time. This summer you may not have had any trouble getting around Loop 256 in time to make it to work on time. But during the school year, Loop 256 can get congested from Story Elementary School all the way to Palestine High School and the turn by Palestine Middle School. Be prepared for that. The busiest times are from 7:35 to 8:10 a.m. in the mornings and from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m.

• Obey crossing guards.

• Anticipate the worst. There's always a chance a small child may run in front of you — that's why it's important to slow down and prepare to brake.

• Be careful around parked cars and backing up. Small children especially can be hard to see.

• Avoid using cell phones when driving - There are a couple of new Texas traffic laws going in effect on September 1 — one makes it illegal to use a wireless communication device in a school zone unless the vehicle is stopped or a hands-free device is used. We already know using a cell phone while driving is a distraction, so please be extra careful.

Also, be sure to read these Transportation Tips from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that explain how children can be taught to get on and off buses safely.

Have any more safety tips to share? Email me at community@palestineherald.com