AUSTIN — The Austin Police Department said one of its top priorities is keeping kids safe during the back-to-school season.
APD is starting a back-to-school initiative on Aug. 20, which will be in effect from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. through Aug. 31.
“That will consist of officers being in multiple school zones throughout the city, looking for speeders, looking for people who are on their cell phones in school zones, and just generally being present and visible to slow people down to keep kids safer as they walk,” said Assistant Chief Justin Newsom.
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Police will also be watching crosswalks closely.
“We're going to be looking for people who disregard school crossing guards, who fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, who pass school buses while they're loading and unloading,” said Newsom.
Newsom reminded parents to talk to their kids about safety tips. He also said people should leave early as traffic tends to back up once school starts.