BRENHAM POLICE EMPHASIZE TRAFFIC SAFETY

  

It’s that time of year again – school is back in session, Friday night lights are on the horizon – time to get everyone back in the “safe driving” mode.

“During the summer school zones aren’t enforced and it’s easy for our drivers to forget about them. They tend to talk on the phone, drive a little faster and just in general be a little distracted as they drive. We just want to remind them that with school back in session, the school zones are enforceable again,” said Chief Dant Lange.

The first week of school the police department was out in full force to ensure a safe return for the students, staff and parents alike.

“We had everyone out in the mornings and afternoons of the first week of school to make sure traffic flowed smoothly. Our COPS (Citizens on Patrol) were also out, and were a great help as we worked to get parents and buses in and out of the school parking lots as efficiently as possible. One of the things we’ve noticed is a lot of drivers on their phones as they enter and exit the school zone,” Lange said.

“We do have a city ordinance that prohibits the use of wireless communication devices in a school zone. It’s important that drivers are not distracted as they drive in and around the schools. Remember, the kids are getting used to being back in school as well; they might not be paying attention to where they are walking or standing,” he said.

Another gentle reminder from Lange – school zones have different speed limits when school is in session.

“The zones are all marked but again it’s easy during the summer to forget where and when those zones are in force. We want to give our citizens time to get readjusted, but really, this is a safety issue. So we’re asking for everyone to put down the phones, watch your speed and let’s have a great school year,” he said.