AUSTIN — Fall is approaching in Central Texas, and you know what that means. Teachers are getting their classrooms ready and kids have their outfit picked out for their first day back to school.
For authorities, it means they will be out in full force ensuring drivers are following the rules around school buses and school zones.
Regardless of which direction you're headed, Texas Department of Transportation said all drivers should stop for flashing red lights on a school bus. Once the bus has moved and the flashing lights have stopped, TxDOT said the driver can start moving. Anyone who violates this rule is subject to a $1,000 fine. KVUE reported that in 2017, Austin police handed out more than 17,000 tickets. That's up from nearly 13,000 in 2016.
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When drivers make their way into marked school zones, they must obey school zone speed limit signs and put away their cell phones.
Traffic fines usually double in school zones and drivers caught using cell phones in school zones face a fine of up to $200. TxDOT also recommends the following:
- Drop off and pick up your children in your school’s designated areas, not the middle of the street.
- Keep an eye on children gathered at bus stops.
- Be alert for children who might dart across the street or between vehicles on their way to school.
TxDOT has the following tips for children walking or biking to school:
- Always cross at intersections and designated crosswalks. Look left, right and then left again before proceeding.
- Look for traffic when stepping off a bus or from behind parked cars.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
- Always obey crossing guards.
- Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
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