School is about to start and as a result, Texarkana, Ark., police have some safety reminders they would like to share with motorists in the city to make sure we start the school year off on a safe note.

Traffic fines are doubled in school zones and officers will be conducting traffic enforcement within these school zones with zero tolerance. Special emphasis will be placed on speeding violations as well as careless driving and improper passing.

Here are a few reminders regarding school safety:

  • It is illegal to pass a school bus from any direction while the bus' red lights are flashing.
  • Most school zone speed limits and boundaries are clearly marked and should be strictly followed. Fifteen miles per hour is the maximum speed within school zones.
  • Remember to watch for kids because they may not be watching for you.
  • Parents should take care when dropping their children off in school driveways.
  • Parents should always remind their children to watch for other vehicles that are pulling through driveways and always look both ways before crossing a school driveway.

Patrol Officers will be working in school zones at the beginning and end of each school day, and the Speed Trailer will be posted at different schools throughout the school year. These officers, along with the on campus school resource officers, will take enforcement actions dealing with criminal violations that occur on school property. In addition, the patrol officers will often spend time walking through the school during the day to ensure the safety of both our children and faculty.

These types of additional Selective Traffic Enforcement Operations are paid for by Community Traffic Safety/DWI Enforcement Grant, which is administered through the Arkansas Highway Safety Office.  It has provided additional funding to the Texarkana, Ark., Police Department since 1991.

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