By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

School starts Wednesday for Hays USD 489 students with a half-day of classes. TMP-Marian students return to the classroom Friday, Aug. 17 and the fall semester starts Monday, Aug. 20 at Fort Hays State University.

More vehicles will be on the streets, and traffic will be congested at times. There will also be more pedestrians and bicycles around schools.

The Hays Police Department is urging drivers to be vigilant as schedules change.

“Slow down and give yourself extra time to get to where you need to go,” advises Lt. Brandon Wright.

HPD practices proactive patrolling in school zones.

Speeds are reduced in marked areas, usually from 30 mph to 20 mph. If exceeded, drivers can be fined $80 plus $100 in court costs, or more.

“Children are unpredictable. Watch for them at street and alley crossings, or they may pop out between cars without notice,” he warned.

State law requires drivers in both directions to stop for a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing. Drivers cannot proceed until the lights are deactivated and the stop arm is pulled in, or the bus resumes motion.

The Kansas Legislature approved an increase in fines for passing stopped school buses effective July 1 in the 2018 Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas Cities. The city of Hays adopted the changed ordinance Aug. 9.

The first offense is $315 plus court costs. A second offense within five years is $750 plus court costs. A third offense in five years is $1,000 plus court costs.

“Watch the buses. Our children are our most precious asset so you need to be careful,” Wright cautioned.

Another area of traffic congestion is pick-up and drop-off of students around schools:

• Don’t double park or use no parking zones
• Don’t block driveways
• Don’t stop in street
• Don’t make children cross lanes of traffic
• Use school parking area or curbside drop-off
• Use crosswalks

If your children are walking or biking to school:

• Practice route
• Don’t change route
• Teach traffic safety
• Watch driveway and alley accesses

Talk to your children about interaction with unfamiliar persons:

• Don’t talk to strangers
• Don’t ride with unknown people without permission
• Report strangers offering ride or treat
• Walk/bike with friends, family
• Have after school check-in plan

School security is also important, Wright added.

“You should only enter through the main doors of the building and check in with the office if you’re visiting the school,” he said.

USD 489 Superintendent John Thissen said Tuesday afternoon the new buzz-in security system is in effect at all schools, although the audio component is incomplete in some locations, requiring school personnel to come to the door. The audio systems should all be installed within the next four weeks, according to Thissen.

All Hays USD 489 schools utilize an electronic ID system for visitors.

“We all have very busy lives, and often we have with lots of things on our minds while driving,” said Wright.

“Stay off your cellphone. It’s a $50 fine plus court costs for writing, sending or reading a written communication while you’re driving, but any use of your phone should be avoided when you’re near a school.

“With the increased activity and excited children all around, tragedy can occur in an instant,” he reminded drivers. “So give yourself plenty of time, and don’t rush if you’re running late.”