HPD, HFD And Local Law Enforcement Stress Back to School Safety

August 14, 2009 - HPD joined forces at a news conference today with the Houston Fire Department, Harris County Precinct 6 Constable Victor Trevino, the Houston Independent School District Police Department, and Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Childhood Injury Prevention to spread the word about back to school safety. 

Photos from the news conference held at HFD Fire Station #19 are included with this release.

With children returning to school later this month, it is especially important to remind drivers to pay extra attention while in school zones and around school buses.

“Anytime you see a school bus, you should use extra caution, because sometimes children see the bus coming and the lights aren’t even flashing but they can dart out in front of your vehicle,” said HPD Senior Police Officer Alvin Steelman.  “For some of these children, it’s their first year going to school, and they’re not really familiar with the guidelines they should be following.”

In addition to the dangers posed to children, drivers speeding through school zones or passing school buses with flashing red lights can receive significant fines.

Other safety tips for parents and children include:

• Children should not talk to strangers.  Advise children how to handle a situation in which someone attempts to lure them with prizes or tries to abduct them. 
• Be aware of potential problems that can arise when children are home by themselves.
• Teach children bicycle safety tips while riding to and from school.
• Find qualified caregivers to look after children before and after school care.

For more information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Community Outreach Unit at 713-308-3200.

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200 .