On Monday August 27, 2018 the school year is starting for the Corpus Christi ISD, Flour Bluff ISD and many other educational institutions. The Corpus Christi Police Department put together some tips to remind parents, students and everyday drivers to make this school year a safe one.
Back to School Tips for Drivers
- Observe posted school zone speed limits
- Do not use cell phones while driving
- Stop for School bus loading or unloading both directions, unless it is a divided roadway
- Watch for children who could dart out into traffic around schools
Back to School Tips for Students
- Cross at crosswalks NOT in the middle of the block
- Cross where there is a crossing guard when possible
- Walk on sidewalks
- Do not allow yourself to be distracted with horseplay or cell phones when crossing streets
- Avoid walking routes with construction when possible.
Back to School Tips for Parents
- Walk the route with your child and point out hazards
- Teach them to look both ways, avoid distractions, and use crosswalks.
Crashes in School Zone Statistics
| CRASH YEAR | TOTAL CRASHES | SERIOUS INJURY | POSSIBLE OR MINOR INJURY |
| 2015 | 7 | 0 | 2 |
| 2016 | 16 | 0 | 4 |
| 2017 | 31 | 6 | 9 |
Most Common Contributing Factors over the Three Year Period
- Fail to Control Speed
- Driver Inattention
- Changed Lane When Unsafe
The National Traffic Highway Safety Administration and TxDOT have some great tips for both students and drivers during the school season. Please read more at:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/back-school-safety-0
If your child heads back to school soon, you’re likely already making a to-do list: new clothes, classroom supplies, and maybe a talk about your expectations for the school year. Here’s a topic that needs to be discussed before they head to their first class: road safety. All parents and caregivers should talk with their children about how to get to and from school safely, whether they take the bus, walk, take a bike, or ride in the family vehicle.
School Buses
School buses are the safest way for children to travel to and from school, but there are dangers when children are boarding and leaving the bus. Over the last decade, nearly two-thirds of school-age pedestrians fatally injured in school transportation-related crashes were struck by school buses or other vehicles when the children were getting on or off a school bus. Teach your child to always:
- Wait five giant steps away from the road and, when the school bus arrives, wait until the driver says to board.
- Quickly find a seat after boarding, sit facing the front, and do as the bus driver says.
- Before you get to your stop, put your phone away.
- Before getting off the bus, look out the door—left, right, and then left again—for approaching vehicles.
- Once off the bus, take five giant steps away from the school bus.
- Before crossing the street in front of the bus, go to the edge of the bus, look left-right-left to make sure no traffic is coming, and wait for the driver to signal it’s safe to cross.
Walking
Walking to school is great exercise, but children under 10 years old should be accompanied by an adult or with someone who will make sure they walk safely. Always set a good example, and teach your child to:
- Watch the road, not your phone.
- Walk on the sidewalk or, if there is none, walk facing traffic.
- Never play, push or shove others when you walk around traffic.
- When crossing the street, cross at a corner or marked crosswalk.
- Stop and look left-right-left for vehicles, motorcycles, and bicyclists. Wait to cross after traffic has passed.
- Make sure to push the pedestrian button and wait for pedestrian crossing signals, if available.
Biking
Biking is a fun, healthy way to get to and from school, too. Teach your child to always:
Wear a properly fitted helmet and make sure to buckle the chin strap.
Always ride in the same direction as traffic and stop at all stop signs and signals.
Plan to use routes that offer bike lanes when possible and that have lower traffic volume and speeds.
- Only ride on the sidewalk when necessary; ride in the same direction as traffic, be careful of pedestrians, and use caution when crossing streets.
- Never use headphones or cell phones while riding.
Vehicles
Make sure there’s a safe driver behind the wheel. Every ride begins with everyone wearing seat belts, using a booster, or being properly secured in an appropriate car seat. Every child rides in the back seat; children in the front seat are 40 percent more likely to be injured in crashes.
A Safe Journey to and from School
From 2007 to 2016, there were 281 school-age children killed in school transportation-related crashes. But you can help keep children safe. Discuss these tips. Model road safety behaviors, including always buckling up in the car, and following all the rules of the road every time you drive, ride or walk. Make sure school transportation safety is the very first lesson of the new school year.
https://www.txdot.gov/driver/kids-teens/school.html
Be Safe. Drive Smart.
TxDOT Back to School Driving Tips
The end of summer means millions of Texas children will soon return to school. TxDOT reminds drivers to be extra cautious as school zones become more active and be aware of school bus safety.
Last year, 663 vehicle crashes occurred in school zones in Texas, resulting in zero deaths and 21 serious injuries. August and September of 2014 alone saw 107 crashes in school zones. The most common factors contributing to these crashes were driver inattention, failure to control speed and failure to yield the right of way at stop signs.
Following these simple tips can help Texas children reach school safely and help drivers avoid costly fines and tickets.
Tips for Driving in School Zones
- Put away your cell phone. Cell phone use is banned in active school zones, and violators face fines of up to $200 in school zones where signs are posted.
- Always obey school zone speed limit signs. Remember, traffic fines usually double in school zones.
- Drop off and pick up your children in your school’s designated areas, not the middle of the street.
- Keep an eye on children gathered at bus stops.
- Be alert for children who might dart across the street or between vehicles on their way to school.
Tips for Children Walking or Biking to School
- Always cross at intersections and designated crosswalks. Look left, right and then left again before proceeding.
- Look for traffic when stepping off a bus or from behind parked cars.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
- Always obey crossing guards.
- Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
Let’s work together to ensure that all of our children have a happy and safe school year.
Click on the link below to see what zone you live in.
CCPD Blotter 
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