With the beginning of a new school year less than a week away, the Baytown Police Department wants to remind drivers that children will soon head back to the classroom. That means more pedestrian and bicycle traffic, more school buses on the road, and reduced speed school zones in effect at all area schools.
“School zone and bus laws will be rigorously enforced as part of the department’s zero-tolerance policy,” said Police Chief Keith Dougherty. “These laws were enacted to protect our children so drivers should expect to be issued a citation if caught going even just a few miles over the posted speed limit, or passing a school bus while it is loading or unloading.”
Dougherty added that drivers should just use common sense and be alert when driving in neighborhoods and around schools. Children sometimes become distracted and aren’t paying attention to the traffic, especially when they are running to their parents’ cars or talking with friends.
Most Baytown school zones have a posted speed of 20 miles per hour, but the speed can vary in some zones. Drivers should pay attention to all posted speeds and follow any directives issued by police or crossing guards. Those who break the law can expect the fines to be steep. Both are Class C misdemeanors, with fines of up to $500.