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Back to school means time for patience on DP roadways
As summer vacation winds down, Deer Park police are asking drivers to be mindful as streets will be filled with traffic and students beginning Monday, the first day of school.
DPPD Sgt. John White, who oversees the department's traffic division, said it would be helpful if parents would familiarize themselves with the routes to and from their child's school. "It's also important that parents know the locations of the pick-up and drop-off points at the campus," he said. "The more parents know and follow the correct routes, the faster we can keep traffic moving."
White said the area around College Park Elementary (in the La Porte school district) is expected to see some major delays as the school has changed its pick-up and drop-off locations. Buses and day care vans will use the Luella side for pick-up and drop off. Parents who drop off their students will be re-routed to the Amherst side of the campus. For more information, call College Park Elementary at 281-604-4400.
Most importantly, White said, is to watch out for students and walkers.
"There are going to be some spots with heavy traffic, but be patient and watch out for the kids," White said.
The first week of school, especially the first day, can be chaotic. But, that doesn't mean it has to be horrible. With some planning, White said drivers and parents can safely navigate the roadways around Deer Park campuses.
For incoming kindergartners and their parents, the first day of school is a huge day. Parents often accompany their child into the building to take photos. Although this adds to the congestion around the school, White asks drivers to be especially patient on the first day.
"Plan ahead and leave a couple of minutes earlier," White said. "Be patient until everyone gets used to the routes. It will be a jungle out there until everyone gets accustomed to the areas around the schools."
White also advises parents and drivers not to attempt to use crossing guards to direct traffic. "Their primary job is to get kids safely across the street. That's the only time they should direct traffic. Parents should not expect our crossing guards to keep traffic moving," he said.
DPPD also asks drivers to be courteous to the residents of the areas surrounding schools.
"We are seeing instances of residents trapped in their homes because drivers block the homeowner's driveways while picking up and dropping off their students," said White.
White said P Street in front of Deer Park Elementary has been the site of several complaints of homeowners stuck in their blocked driveways.
"In this area, people may not be sure where to go, but we would like people to be aware of not blocking the driveways. Please be courteous and leave gaps so residents can get in and out," he said.
Also, White reminds drivers that P Street and Luella are not marked for two-lanes going in each direction. They are one-lane roads. Should a driver choose to pass another vehicle on the right and an accident occurs, they would be at fault.
Finally, school zones will be in full effect Monday morning. Officers will stop and write citations for school zone violations in Deer Park.