Police offer safety tips, warn of new law in school zones

Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue reminds citizens that school will be starting soon and children’s safety is an important issue. Here are a few reminders to help keep all children safe this school year.
It is illegal to pass a bus that is stopped and has it’s stop signs and lights flashing. When a school bus comes to a stop with its lights on and stop arm out, motorists in both directions are required to come to a complete stop and remain stopped until the stop arm is lowered and the bus resumes motion.
Obey school zones and traffic speeds. Legal speed limits are posted for school zones and must be obeyed for the safety of the children. You can be issued a ticket if you are caught speeding in a school zone.
Watch for school crossing guards and school traffic personnel. Follow their directions for easier flow of traffic. The school crossing guards are responsible for not only vehicle traffic but also children walking in the area. You must come to a complete stop to allow children to cross the street.
A new law has taken effect for school zones. Motorists are now prohibited from using any type of handheld wireless communications device while traveling through schools zones during posted hours. The law includes use of a cellular/wireless device for engaging in a voice call, accessing, reading, or posting to a social networking site, and/or writing, sending, or reading a text-based communication. The school zone cell phone ban does not apply if the device is being used to report an emergency or while the vehicle is lawfully parked. Upon first violation of the school zone ban, the fine is $175, subsequent violations can be up to $500, and if a crash occurs during the time of the violation, fines can be increased.
Lartigue hopes that everyone has a great school year and urges everyone to be cautious and considerate when dealing with buses, crossing guards and school zones. Following a few simple guideline can protect everyone.