Louisiana State Troopers Urging Motorists to Use Caution for Upcoming School Year

We are all guilty of this, including me. I remember taking my son to school before he got his license and running late to get him there. On my way back I knew what my day was going to be like and wasn't paying attention. Before I knew it I was being followed by the LCPD because I was going 35 in a school zone. Once he got out and asked me if I knew how fast I was going, I couldn't help but say I didn't realize it, but I wasn't going to try and talk my way out of it.

Well with the upcoming school year upon is and starting on August 13. With that being said the Louisiana State Troopers are urging motorists to exercise caution and watch out for the students and buses. Most of the school zones have a reduced speed limit from 7-9 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. It is recommended to fully pay attention as some zones times are different from other locations and should reduce speed accordingly.

Here are three important things to keep in mind if you are heading to work or home after a busy day or on a potential errand or lunch break.

• School Zones are mainly Monday- Friday from 7-9 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. in the afternoon
• Louisiana Law states that no one should operate a wireless device, including talking on the phone, unless utilizing a blue tooth and definitely should not be texting or using social media.
• School Crossing Guards have the authority to direct vehicles through intersections when traffic lights are red and to stop vehicles when the traffic lights are green.

This is going to be a busy year and we should all take this into consideration when traveling in school zones. Let's help get our kids back to school and possibly work on this being the best year ever for them.

Safety driving precautions in a school zone: