More Students & More Traffic Requires More Vigilance
The school year officially began Tuesday, August 6, 2024 for many area students. The Cleveland Police Department is asking motorists to be vigilant, remembering the start of school means pedestrians will suddenly be on or near neighborhood streets. With the summer break, drivers have become accustomed to some roads and intersections being clear of pedestrians and having less traffic. Drivers should obey the reduced speeds in school zones and reduce their speed in neighborhoods, even if children on foot are safely on the shoulder. One major reason to driver slowly and stay alert is children are unpredictable, and especially in groups. Children are sometimes too short to be visible between parked vehicles, and may dart out into the roadway without warning.
Some area students already began attending practices for extra-curricular activities such as band, football, and volleyball. This raises another issue some drivers may not consider – children who participate in those activities may be on roadways at hours that are different from the start and finish of the regular school day. CPD encourages motorists to be watchful of young children walking, and riding bicycles on, or near roadways. There are many that don’t have sidewalks, and people use the edge of the road to walk or ride their bikes.
CPD encourages drivers to get up a little earlier, so they don’t find themselves running late and rushing. They recommend drivers take an extra moment at intersections to look for children, or anyone who may be about to cross the road. CPD expects roads to be even busier than previous school years because of community growth. In addition to children walking, riding bicycles, and being dropped off and picked up by an adult, the big slow-moving buses will also suddenly be everywhere.
Cleveland Police Chief Broussard says motorists are encouraged to “show respect for one another, be courteous, and have patience.” The Chief says drivers should make sure there are no distractions inside their vehicles, and he reminds drivers cell phone use is prohibited in school zones. Officers will be working to keep school zones safe, watching for speeders and distracted drivers on their cell phones.
Motorists are reminded the law requires them to stop before reaching a school bus with flashing warning lights signaling students are loading or unloading. Traffic must stop when approaching from either direction. Motorists must not proceed until the bus resumes motion or turns off the signal lights. TDT 6445
Motorists who commit the offense of “Fail to Stop or Remain Stopped for a School Bus” will be cited for a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $500 to $1,250. A driver cited twice for that offense may have their license suspended for six months plus, as per Texas Transportation Code Sec. #545.066.
CPD also asks drivers to exercise extreme caution when traveling in school zones or when approaching school buses with or without warning lights on
Chief Broussard says, these days, Police and citizens face more difficult and different challenges than ever. Some of those challenges can be frustrating and unclear at first, but there are set rules, guidelines, and policies that it’s in everyone’s best interest to try and follow.
“We at Cleveland Police Department are wishing everyone a great school year,” Broussard said. “Let each of us make a positive impact in our community’s education, health and safety.”
