HOUSTON – Monday marked the first day of class for students in the Houston Independent School District, which meant drivers had to pay careful attention to school zones.
Houston police said speeding is a big issue at the start of the school year, which impacts students, parents and school bus drivers.
Police said they will be on the lookout for speeding drivers in order to keep children as safe as possible.
"You don't want to make up that time in a school zone; you need to slow down," said Captain Larry Baimbridge, with the Houston Police Department. "So speeding is obviously a big issue in school zones because nobody wants that on their conscience, that they hurt or possibly killed a child."
Students should also make sure they put their cell phones away as they walk on and off of the bus, so they are not distracted and can hear oncoming traffic.
Parents should make sure their child knows his/her bus route, telephone number, and address in case of an emergency. If a students walks to school instead of taking the bus, children and teens should walk with an adult or in groups.
"Tell your children not to talk to strangers, and also go over with them what to do if they are approached by a stranger," said Officer Al Estrada with the Houston Police Department.
Drivers who are caught speeding through a school zone could be fined up to $225.