Corsicana Daily Sun, Corsicana, Texas

News

August 12, 2006

Time to watch for kids and cars

With the start of classes this past week, drivers also need to be more aware that school zones are once again ticket zones.

In Corsicana for both Thursday and Friday, police were stationed at major intersections, and they were out giving citations to speeders who forgot the 20-mile-per-hour limits, and to parents who were parking in fire zones.

“It’s just routine patrol,” said Ladena Baggett, assistant police chief. “And we have all our crossing guards out.”

School zones are just one area where drivers need to be aware, though. For many children, the biggest danger from cars is while boarding and exiting school buses on country roads or in neighborhoods.

“Although school buses are the safest form of transportation for students, the most dangerous time of the journey is when children are entering or exiting the bus,” said Department of Public Safety Director Thomas A. Davis, Jr. “When a school bus is loading or unloading students, the law requires that drivers stop on most roadways.”

State law requires approaching drivers from either direction to stop when a school bus is halted and using its “stop” signal, either a pop-up stop sign near the driver’s window, or flashing lights. The other drivers can’t start going again until the bus resumes its journey, or the bus driver signals to them to proceed, either by hand motion or when the sign is taken down.

Drivers don’t have to stop on highways where there’s a median or concrete barrier, as out on east or west Texas 31, outside the city. However, if it’s not separate, or its separated only by a left-turn lane, like parts of West Seventh Avenue, drivers must still stop when buses are stopped.

The punishment for drivers who don’t stop for school buses is a fine of up to $1,000. More than one conviction can lead to a six-month drivers license suspension.

“Department of Public Safety has a zero tolerance for vehicles that pass stopped school buses,” said DPS Col. Davis. “Drivers must slow down, obey school zone speed limits and stop for school buses to ensure the safety of Texas school children.”

Corsicana police also urge drivers to report any flashing school zone lights that appear to be burned out.

“Everybody’s trying to be safe,” Baggett said.

—————

Janet Jacobs may be contacted via e-mail at jacobs@corsicanadailysun.com

News
  • 1-31 biz-Firestone 1.jpg Business Notes

    Firestone Building Products
    Firestone Building Products presented a trust fund check

    January 31, 2010 3 Photos

  • 1-31 Center.jpg It's all good

    A phone call, a small gesture. Russell Anderson had broke the news to his friends in August he had cancer, and a pal had something for him.

    January 30, 2010 1 Photo

  • 1-31 StringerPose.jpg History buffs rejoice!

    A year-long labor of love by local historian Dr. Tommy Stringer has yielded a new book, “Images of America — Corsicana” which will be released Feb. 8.

    January 30, 2010 3 Photos

  • 1-31 United Way logo.jpg Uniting hearts in Navarro County

    The month of February is symbolized by the heart and what better Valentine to our community than for each us to give from our hearts. United Way of Navarro County is announcing a new 2010 special initiative to “Unite Hearts in Navarro County” with a challenge to its citizens.

    January 30, 2010 1 Photo

  • Monday deadline to register to vote

    Monday is the final day to register to vote in the March 2 primary for Texas governor.
    Voter registration cards may be turned in at the voting office in the basement of the Navarro County courthouse.

    January 30, 2010

  • Hooper, Paul B&W.jpg Chamber’s 92nd Annual Banquet Thursday

    The Chamber’s 92nd Annual Banquet is this Thursday and you really do not want to miss this year’s banquet.

    January 30, 2010 1 Photo

  • The lonely county of Loving

    Texas is rapidly becoming urbanized, claiming three of the ten largest cities in the United States — Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.

    January 30, 2010

  • blackard, leah dill B&W.jpg Arts Council presents photo exhibit

    The Navarro Council of the Arts is pleased to present their newest exhibit at the Warehouse Gallery, Edie Richards. The Warehouse Gallery is located at 119 West Sixth Avenue, in the downtown Arts District.

    January 30, 2010 1 Photo

  • Navarro to host ‘College Days’

    Navarro College will host “College Day 2010” from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 4 in Gibson Hall on the Corsicana campus.

    January 30, 2010

  • Council to consider shed rule changes

    The Corsicana City Council will once again consider altering the shed ordinance when it meets in regular session Tuesday.

    January 30, 2010

Loading Calendar...
(requires Javascript)

Associated Press Video

NDN Video

Featured Ads

Twitter Updates

Follow me on Twitter