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A sign outside a Lampasas ISD campus reminds drivers to slow when entering a designated school zone. Lampasas and Lometa ISD students returned to classes this week. HUNTER KING | DISPATCH RECORD
Lampasas students returned to their classrooms Thursday, and law enforcement officials are calling on drivers and pedestrians to be extra cautious in school zones and around buses to keep everyone safe.
Lampasas Police Department Assistant Chief Charlie Boswell said the best thing drivers and pedestrians can do is to stay more alert in school zone areas.
“Always be mindful of your surroundings,” he said. “Pay extra attention, because the kids are likely not going to pay as much attention as an adult would.”
Boswell added that drivers should put away cell phones and other distractions.
School zones can be a chaotic place, with children possibly dashing in and out of traffic, and as Boswell said, “Traffic gets a lot heavier at the beginning of the school year.”
Many students walk or ride bicycles to Lampasas Middle School, Boswell said.
“It’s a big campus with a lot of space for people to enter and exit,” he added.
Unfortunately, crashes do happen near schools.
In 2022, Texas Department of Transportation data shows 746 traffic collisions occurred in school zones, resulting in 23 serious injuries. The most common causes were driver inattention, speeding and failure to yield the right of way.
TxDOT urges drivers to slow down, pay attention and follow all traffic laws to keep children safe and avoid costly fines or tickets.
To maintain a safe speed, Boswell encouraged drivers to plan ahead.
“Allow yourself plenty of time for those people trying to get to work,” he said. “If you’re driving in a rush, you won’t be paying attention.”
Boswell urged drivers to be watchful at school bus drop-off and pick-up locations as well.
“Watch for students loading and unloading,” the police official said. “There are a few [bus stops] right outside the city on the highway. Just be cautious.”
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN SCHOOL ZONES • Be aware that traffic patterns around schools may have changed.
• Stay alert and put away your phone. Using a handheld electronic device while driving in an active school zone is against the law.
• Stop and yield for people in crosswalks.
• Always obey school zone speed limit signs. Remember, traffic fines increase in school zones.
• Drop off and pick up children in your school’s designated areas, not in the middle of the street.
• Keep an eye on children gathered at bus stops.
• Watch for children who might dart across the street or between vehicles.
TIPS FOR SHARING THE ROAD WITH SCHOOL BUSES
• Follow at a safe distance, keeping in mind that school buses make frequent stops.
• Stay alert for children around buses, and remember that they may not always look for vehicles before crossing the street.
• When driving behind a bus, slow when the bus exhibits a flashing yellow light.
• Stop for flashing red lights or a stop sign on a school bus, regardless of which direction you are headed. Continue your trip once the bus has moved, the flashing lights stop or the bus driver signals it is OK to pass.
• Violations can lead to a fine of up to $1,250 for a first offense.
TIPS FOR CHILDREN WALKING OR BIKING TO SCHOOL • Use sidewalks where possible. If there is not a sidewalk, walk on the left side of the street, facing traffic.
• Cross the street only at intersections or marked crosswalks. Look left, right and left again before proceeding.
• Always obey crossing guards.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. Never assume a driver sees you.
• Look for traffic when stepping off a bus or from behind parked vehicles.
• Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
• Don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.
• Follow all traffic rules, signs and signals.