Attention Drivers: Public Schools are Back in Session

The fall semester for area public schools has begun, so the Las Cruces Police Department is encouraging motorists to use extra caution while traveling near schools and bus stops.

Most Las Cruces schools began the fall semester on Monday, July 22.

The Las Cruces Police Department provides these safety tips for drivers and students:

Tips for motorists:

• Obey all traffic laws and speed limits, especially the 15 MPH limit in school zones.
• Do not pass other vehicles in school zones or at crosswalks.
• Do not change lanes in school zones.
• Do not make U-Turns in school zones.
• Do not text or otherwise use a cell phone unless it is completely hands-free.
• Stop for school buses that are loading or unloading children.
• Watch for and obey signals from school crossing guards.
• Be alert and watch for children near schools, bus stops and in school parking lots.
• Unless licensed to do so, do not park in handicap spaces to drop off or pick up children.
• Do not park at curbs painted yellow, or red which are designated for emergency vehicles only.

Tips for students:

• Parents of younger students who ride a school bus should consider escorting their children to and from their scheduled bus stop.
• Children should not stand or play in the roadway while waiting for, or leaving, a school bus.
• Students who ride the bus should follow all safety rules and avoid distracting the driver.
• Students who walk should do so in pairs, or groups, for safety and follow rules for pedestrians.
• Students should avoid distractions, such as cell phone and earphone usage, while walking near or crossing roadways.
• Cross streets only at crosswalks and follow the directions given by school crossing guards.
• Students who ride a bike should wear a helmet and follow all safety rules for bicyclists.
• Walk - don't ride - a bicycle across streets and only in designated crosswalks.
• Teenage students who drive to school should avoid speeding and minimize distractions from cell phone usage, eating, loud music or disruptive passengers.
• Never overload a vehicle. Every passenger must use a safety belt.
• Avoid horseplay on sidewalks, while riding a bus or bicycle, and while traveling in a vehicle.
• Do not share social media posts that suggest threats against a school or individual. Instead, screen-save the threatening post and immediately report it to authorities.
• If you learn of any threat (sometimes shared through social media) against a school or individual, immediately report it to your teacher or call police.