The Lubbock Police Department is reminding drivers to be cautious in school zones, once the new year starts on Monday.
Lt. Ray Mendoza said one of the most important things drivers have to do is slow down, not just in school zones, but around schools too.
“There’s a lot of little kids excited to go to school,” Lt. Mendoza said. “Their eagerness will sometimes cause them to run into the streets so were asking citizens to please slow down and be observant of that.”
Drivers should also eliminate all distractions, like the phone or radio, and even roll down car windows for extra awareness.
“You can’t text and drive in a school when the school zone is activated,” Lt. Mendoza said. “So every morning and every afternoon when school lets out.”
Texting in driving is only illegal in Texas while drivers are in active school zones, but if a driver is caught they would most likely get a citation, according to Lt. Mendoza.
Drivers are also warned to keep an eye out for school buses.
“When you see the red lights and the stops signs you should stop,” Lt. Mendoza said. “It doesn’t matter what direction you’re going. The only exception is on a divided highway.”
