By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

It’s that time of year again. Students in Hays and the surrounding communities are heading back to school, and local law enforcement agencies are urging residents to be on the lookout for students.

Hays Assistant Police Chief Brian Dawson said the HPD is reminding motorists to slow down and pay attention, especially in and around school zones.

“We’d like motorists to make sure that they slow down when driving near the schools and keep their eyes open for students crossing the roadways,” Dawson said.

Dawson advised drivers plan additional time in the morning and afternoons.

He said, early on each school year, it takes some time to get the flow of traffic down. He urged drivers not to block traffic looking for parking spots.

“We need to get familiar with dismissal times and the flow of the parking lots and release of children,” Dawson said.

Motorists should also be mindful of crosswalks, Dawson said, and allow pedestrians to cross the street in those crosswalks.

“(We) just want people to slow down and be observant and pay attention to their driving so there aren’t any accidents and that people are safe.” Dawson said.

Dawson also said people must check in with the school if they visit.

“They like to know who’s in their building and they don’t want to have to run down people that are walking through the building that don’t have an ID or haven’t been identified or have checked in,” Dawson said.