BACK TO SCHOOL TRAFFIC SAFETY
Classes in Hays CISD Begin on Thursday, August 15, 2019
Some Private Schools Start Monday, August 12, 2019
As summer comes to an end for students and the 2019 – 2020 school year begins, we wanted to take this opportunity to talk about back to school traffic safety. The first day of school for Hays CISD is Thursday, August 15, 2019. Some private schools, including Santa Cruz Catholic School, start on Monday, August 12, 2019. Please prepare for increased traffic around Buda area schools and watch out for construction near Buda Elementary School, Tom Green Elementary, and Elm Grove Elementary.
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.
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.”
We have provided a link to the Hays ISD School Bell Schedule: Hays ISD School Bell Schedule
Due to construction around Buda Elementary, Hays CISD has provided road construction information and a traffic control map. We have included the links below.
Buda Elementary Traffic Information for Back to School
Buda Elementary School Traffic Control Map
Construction is also ongoing on Old Goforth Road near Tom Green Elementary. We’re nearing the end of Old Goforth Road improvement project. Initial paving will occur Friday and Saturday (August 9-10, 2019) to permit one-way only traffic from North to South (from the intersection of FM 2001 and CR 119 south to the intersection of CR 119 and CR 133). No cross traffic from side streets will be permitted. You will able to turn left on Tom Green School Road from Old Goforth. Traffic signs will be in place. We have included a map below.
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 children 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).
