Traffic moves through the new school zone for Three Lakes Middle School on Tuesday on Old Jacksonville Highway. With the first day of school less than two weeks away, motorists are urged to familiarize themselves with school traffic zone regulations, to keep students safe as they head to classes on Aug. 24. Tyler police promise extra patrols in school zones. Andrew D. Brosig/Tyler Morning Telegraph

As students head back to school, ensuring their safety is a top priority. To address this, the Tyler Police Department is stepping up its vigilance by actively patrolling school zones. With the increase in traffic, bus stops, and pedestrian crossings, officers will be on high alert to enforce traffic laws and protect students.

“Speed is strictly enforced, and cell phone use is prohibited when in a school zone,” said Tyler Police Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said.

While no specific school zones or intersections are flagged as higher risk, Erbaugh said the Tyler Police Department will implement a random rotation for patrols and respond to any special requests from schools. The Traffic Unit will be actively monitoring school zones to ensure student safety.

“Any time you are in a school zone, slow down and be ready to stop,” Erbaugh advised. “There are children who need to cross the road to get to and from the school and oftentimes a volunteer will have to step out in front of traffic with a stop sign. Slow down so you can stop.”

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas school zones experienced 748 traffic accidents in 2023, resulting in one fatality and 14 serious injuries. The primary causes were speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield. Additionally, Texas school buses were involved in 2,523 accidents last year, leading to 11 deaths and 63 serious injuries, mainly due to driver inattention and speeding.

“When a school bus starts blinking its yellow lights, go ahead and be ready to stop,” Erbaugh said. “The stop signs are coming out and you are required to stop for children getting on and off the bus. Sometimes they must cross the road to get on or off so watch out for that.”

Non-compliance with school zone safety regulations can lead to citations.

“Our officers will be working in school zones,” Erbaugh said. “Take your time, slow down, and pay attention so that everyone can be safe in the coming school year.”

Community members observing unsafe driving behaviors or other concerns should contact the Tyler ISD Police Department or call the Tyler Police Department’s non-emergency line at 903-531-1000.

“The standard ‘look both ways’ for sure applies if they have to cross the street,” Erbaugh added. “Kids waiting for the bus should wait on the curb and not in the roadway. If they have to cross a roadway to get to a waiting bus, don’t assume traffic will stop. Look both ways before crossing any road.”

Tips for driving in school zones

Be aware: Traffic patterns around schools may have changed since last year.

Stay alert: Avoid using handheld electronic devices while driving in active school zones.

Stop and yield: Give the right of way to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable road users in crosswalks. The Lisa Torry Smith Act of 2021 has increased penalties for failing to protect people in crosswalks.

Obey speed limits: Traffic fines are higher in school zones.

Know where to go: Drop off and pick up your children in designated areas, not in the middle of the street.

Watch for children: Keep an eye out for kids at bus stops and be cautious of those who might dart across the street or between vehicles.