Buda Releases Traffic Safety Reminders For Hays CISD Students, Parents

“Give yourself some extra time in the mornings and drive cautiously as you can expect delays as students start back to school,” said Buda PD Public Information Officer Brittany Tate.

As the summer break comes to an end for Hays CISD students in Buda, the city wanted to take this opportunity to talk about back to school traffic safety.

The first day of school for Hays CISD is Monday, August 27. Classes have already started for some private schools in the area.

Residents are asked to prepare for increased traffic around Buda area schools, particularly on FM 1626 near Elm Grove Elementary, along FM 967 near Buda Elementary and on Main Street near Santa Cruz Catholic School.

“Give yourself some extra time in the mornings and drive cautiously as you can expect delays as students start back to school,” said Buda PD Public Information Officer Brittany Tate. “The first few weeks are always the busiest and we know traffic can become a burden, but Buda PD officers will be routinely monitoring the school routes. We are also working with TxDOT and Commissioner Mark Jones to address and hopefully alleviate some of the issues in the construction zone on FM 1626.”

The speed limit in a school zone is 25 mph. Speeding in a school zone is considered a Class C Misdemeanor and could carry a hefty fine.

“We will be in the spots that we need to be in, particularly the congested areas. We will be looking for various traffic violations, including speeding and operating a motor vehicle while using a hand-held device. ” said Buda PD Officer Raul Valdez. “FM 1626 is currently under heavy construction and it is important to plan accordingly. Our main concern is safety for the students and the drivers. Kids are going to be real excited about getting back to school and we want to make sure they get there safely.”

If you are new to the area or your children are attending a new school this year, please familiarize yourself with the drop-off and pick-up areas at your child’s school.

“It takes a couple of weeks for drivers to get back into the routine,” said Hays CISD Public Information Officer Tim Savoy. “Please be on the lookout for school zone signals and always obey the speed limits. You should also anticipate children walking and bicycling to school.”

Safety Tips from the National Center for Safe Routes to Schools

• Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits, both in school zones and in neighborhoods surrounding the school.
• Comply with local school drop-off and pick-up procedures.
• Avoid double parking or stopping on crosswalks to let children out of the car. Double parking will block visibility for other children and other motorists. Visibility is further reduced during the rain and fog seasons when condensation forms on car windows.
• Avoid loading or unloading children at locations across the street from the school. This forces youngsters to unnecessarily cross busy streets.
• Prepare to stop for a school bus when overhead yellow lights are flashing. Drive with caution when you see yellow hazard warning lights are flashing on a bus.
• Stop for a school bus with its red overhead lights flashing, regardless of the direction from which the driver is approaching. Drivers must not proceed until the school bus resumes motion and the red lights stop flashing.
• Watch for children walking or bicycling (both on the road and the sidewalk).
• Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops. Watch for children arriving late for the bus, who may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
• Watch for children walking or biking to school when backing up (out of a driveway or leaving a garage).