It's back to school time, with Texarkana, Arkansas schools starting next Monday, August 15. And the Texarkana, Arkansas Police Department wants it to be a safe start to the new school year so they have some safety tips and reminders for motorists, parents, and students.

Remember, traffic fines are doubled in school zones and police officers will be conducting traffic enforcement within these school zones with zero tolerance for those not enforcing the law. Special emphasis will be placed on speeding violations as well as careless driving and improper passing.

Here are a few reminders involving school safety:

It is illegal to pass a school bus from any direction while red lights are flashing on the bus.

Most school zone speed limits and boundaries are clearly marked and should be strictly followed. And 15 miles per hour is the maximum speed within school zones in Texarkana, Ark.

Remember to watch for kids because they may not be watching for you.

Parents should take care when dropping their children off in school driveways.

Parents should always remind their children to watch for other vehicles that are pulling through driveways and always look both ways before crossing a school driveway.

Patrol officers will be working in school zones at the beginning and end of each school day, and the Speed Trailer will be posted at different schools throughout the school year.

Officers, along with the on campus school resource officers, will take enforcement actions dealing with any criminal violations that occur on school property. In addition, patrol officers will often spend time walking through the school during the day to ensure the safety of both children and faculty.

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