Another school year is about to kick off in Cleveland and the Cleveland Police Department wants to encourage motorists to be watchful of children walking on or near roadways.
“There are many streets in our neighborhoods that don’t have sidewalks, and people use the edge of the paved roadway to walk or ride their bicycles. On Monday, Aug. 27, 2018, citizens will see more motorist and pedestrian traffic traveling on, or near our city streets,” said Cleveland Police Chief Darrel Broussard.
Residents are encouraged to get up a little earlier, so they don’t find themselves running late and having to rush. Drivers need to taken an extra moment or two to look for children at intersections and those who might be about to cross the roadway.
“Drivers are being warned to slow down, because our neighbor streets will be a lot busier. Many students will be crossing the streets, both buses and parents will be dropping [off] and picking up children,” Broussard said.
Drivers should make sure there are no distractions inside their vehicles especially cell phones. Use of cell phones is prohibited in school zones where signs are posted. Cleveland police officers will be working school zones and watching for speeders and cell phone violators for the protection of the children.
Motorists on the highway or public streets are asked to stop before reaching a school bus operating flashing warning lights when loading or unloading students. Traffic shall stop when approaching from either direction. Motorists should not proceed until the bus resumes motion, or the visual warning signal lights are no longer activated. Motorists who commits the offense of “Fail to stop or remain stopped for a school bus” commits a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not less than $500.00, or no more than $1,250.00. For a second conviction, the judge may order a person’s license to be suspended for at least six months, according to Texas Transportation Code Sec. #545.066.