The end of summer signals a change of season and the start of a new school year. It also brings more students and school buses to area roads, and the need for drivers to use extra caution in school zones (which began on Aug. 4 for Collinsville and will begin Aug. 13 in Whitesboro and S&S). The Whitesboro Police Department would like to remind drivers of the laws and city ordinances during the school year.
School Zone Laws
First, obey all school zone laws to help keep students safe and avoid traffic fines. In the city limits of Whitesboro, school zone hours for College Street (from Otis Street south to Hall Street) and White Street (from Hall Street north to Otis Street) are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, during the regular school year when school is in session. During these hours, the speed limit in the designated school zones is 20 mph. These appear on Highway 82 and Fourth, Main St. and Union when lights are flashing. Remember, fines and court costs can be double in school zones.
Also, be sure to eliminate distractions. Do not use a cell phone or eat while driving. In Texas, handheld cell phone use is banned in all active school zones. Violators face fines up to $200 plus court costs.
Texas School Bus Laws
In Texas, drivers must stop for flashing red lights on a school bus, regardless of which direction the vehicle is traveling, unless a physical barrier divides the road lanes. Violators can receive up to a $1,250 fine plus court costs, driver’s license suspension and even jail time, depending on the number of convictions and the seriousness of the incident. Knowing the flashing-light system that school bus drivers use to signal their intentions to motorists can save lives.
• Yellow flashing lights. Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is getting ready to stop to load or unload students. Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop.
• Red flashing lights. Red flashing lights with an extended stop sign mean the bus is stopped and students are getting on or off. Drivers approaching the school bus from either direction must stop, even if the road is divided by a turning lane, unless a median or other physical barrier such as a wall or fence separates the road lanes. Vehicles may not pass the school bus until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is pulled back into place, the school bus has started to move, and the bus driver signals for vehicles to proceed.
Watch for Students
Each year, about 13% of the students returning to the 9,000-plus schools across Texas walk or ride bikes to class. The following recommendations can help motorists remain alert and keep students safe before and after school hours
• Reverse responsibly. When backing a vehicle, go slowly and watch for students walking or riding their bikes to school. Every vehicle has blind spots. Check for walking and biking students on the sidewalk, in the driveway, and around vehicles. Look around and use all mirrors and a backup camera when the vehicle is equipped with one.
• Slow down and stay alert. Look for students walking in the street, especially in neighborhoods without sidewalks. Speed limits in school zones are slower for a reason. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling 10 mph faster.
• Come to a complete stop. According to the American Automobile Association, more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop, check for students in crosswalks, and watch for students who may dart into the street or between vehicles when trying to catch their bus.
• Watch for bicycles. Students on bikes are often inexperienced, unsteady, and unpredictable. Slow down and give bicyclists three feet of passing distance.
Parking Restrictions
Heed all parking restrictions in town for any motor vehicle, whether automobile, truck, tractor, tractor trailer, recreational vehicle, or similar motor vehicle, except emergency vehicles on a mission of public safety, in certain areas (streets, locations, and times to follow). Any violation of any provision of this schedule is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.
Parking Restrictions in Whitesboro
Center Street - West side between Grayson Street to Wainwright Street to Mineral Street from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays.
College Street - Either the east or west side between Wainwright Street to Hall Street, except on weekends, holidays, and summer vacation from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and either the east side or west side between Otis Street and Wainwright Street, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Country Road - 1300 block is restricted ALL the time.
Fourth Street - Along either the south or north side, beginning at a point 25 feet east- southeast of its intersection with U.S. Highway 82, thence proceeding east-southeast along its right-of-way to a point 1,316 feet east-southeast of its intersection with U.S. Highway 82. This is restricted ALL the time.
The 100 and 200 block are restricted from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hall Street - 100 block is restricted ALL the time.
200 block is restricted Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Highway 82 East - The 1000 block is restricted ALL the time. This means no parking, standing or stopping on east and west bound shoulders and frontage roads.
Highway 377 North - East and west sides, beginning at Highway 82 North access road and proceeding north along Highway 377 to the northern city limits. This is restricted ALL the time.
North Jordan Street - 600 block is restricted during school hours.
Main Street - Center of Main Street, being that part of Main Street between its intersection with Union Street and between points 16 feet out from the curb of Main Street, and west of its intersection with Union Street and east of its intersection with Collinsville Street and Center Street between points 8 feet from the curbs of Main Street.
North Avenue - South side between Center Street and Virginia Avenue from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Quillen Street - Restricted ALL the time.
Wainwright Street - North side between Center Street and North Union Street from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays.
White Street - From Hall Street to Otis Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, while school is in session during the regular school year.
Union Street - East and west side from the north side curbline extended of its intersection with Main Street to the south side curbline extended of its intersection with Grayson Street is restricted ALL the time.
By following these laws, both motorists and students can help ensure they have a safe school year.