With School Starting Think Safety

Our children start school again this coming Monday, August 25th. Officer Henry Slack gives these safety tips:

"School is about to start, so let's talk about SCHOOL ZONES.

First, here is a review of some definitions:

STOP: the complete cessation of movement.

STOP, STOPPING OR STANDING: when prohibited means any stopping or standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or traffic control sign or signal.

SCHOOL CROSSING ZONES: for the safety of school children, shall be appropriately marked by traffic control signs or devices, indicating school is in session 45 minutes before the start of the first class and 30 minutes at the end of last school class. Whenever signs indicate that the regulations are in force, no vehicle shall pass any other vehicle proceeding in the same direction between the signs designating the school crossing zone, and all vehicles shall come to a complete stop at the school crossing when the crosswalk is occupied by any person.

First day of School is August 25th for both the El Paso Independent School District and for Ysleta Independent School District. Make time by leaving home earlier, typically the first day of school is a bit hectic for parents, teachers and students. If you are planning to walk your child to school, park near the school (legally) walk and talk to your child.

Talk to them about Stranger-Danger, Drugs, Bullies. Have a Secret Pass Code that only you and the child know, teach them that only those person who know the code can pick them up from school.

First day’s of school should be a memorable one, so please drive carefully and be courteous to others."