As kids return to school in Maryland, police urge drivers to use caution
As students return to school in Baltimore City and Howard County this week, officials are urging drivers to use caution on the road.
Baltimore City Public Schools began school on Monday, August 24, and many school zones and residential areas will see an increase in traffic, according to the Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT).
DOT is asking motorists to lower their speed and watch for kids of all ages as they will be using newer routes. Drivers should also watch for parents dropping off their children.
There will also be 250 crossing guards to guide children to safety, but for pedestrians, DOT says safety begins on the sidewalk. Pedestrians should use all marked crosswalks and listen to instructions from crossing guards.
Baltimore City and Howard County school districts may differ in how they operate, but one thing remains consistent for every school district in Maryland. Maryland law enforcers a no-passing rule when it comes to school buses. Every motorist must stop on either side of the road, when a school bus has its stop signs extended and red lights flashing.
In Maryland, drivers face a fine of up to $250 if caught by an automated school bus camera, and $570 -- plus 3 points issued on the motorist's driving record -- if stopped by a police officer, according to the Maryland Highway Safety Office.
Howard County
In Howard County, police are bringing back their H.A.S.T.E. (Helping Arriving Students Through Enforcement) program, which focuses on enforcing driver and pedestrian safety in school zones.
H.A.S.T.E. will increase traffic patrols on roadways that surround elementary, middle, and high schools. Police will be on the lookout for drivers who are speeding, distracted, and those failing to stop for pedestrians. Officers will also check for proper seat belt and child safety seat usage to make sure everyone being transported is properly restrained, Howard County Police said in a statement.
Speed cameras have been installed in all Howard County school zones, and every school bus has been equipped with cameras. The speed cameras in school zones encourage drivers to lower their speed, with fines ranging from $40-$425 for violators, police say.
The speed cameras will be rotated in different school zones throughout the school year. The location of cameras will be posted on the Howard County Police website each week at hcpd.org
Howard County Police say their officers will continue to enforce road safety in school zones throughout the year.