Katy Authorities Caution Drivers Ahead of Katy ISD’s First Day of School

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

August 13, 2024

By Natalie Cook Clark

Last year Harris County and Fort Bend County saw an increase in pedestrian accidents and many centered around school drop-off and pick-up hours. Local authorities caution drivers ahead of the start of Katy schools tomorrow.

Photo credit: Angelina Clark

Katy Students Return to School Tomorrow

Tomorrow Katy ISD students will return to their campuses increasing both vehicle and pedestrian traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times.

“We ask that drivers slow down and expect pedestrians around schools,” says Fort Bend County Precinct 1 Constable Chad Norvell. “Additionally, we ask that parents be good role models for kids crossing at designated crosswalks or with the crossing guards.”

According to the City of Houston the greater Houston area saw an increase in pedestrian accidents last year that included an increase in fatalities. This rising statistic was felt greatly in the Katy area as a Katy ISD student was killed while biking to school last academic year. Another student was injured.

Drivers should always be cautious but local authorities are urging drivers to take extra caution in areas that are expected to see heavy foot traffic from children and families.

Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department shared some great tips tips.

For Drivers

•  Exercise Caution: Reduce your speed, maintain vigilant awareness, and prepare to come to a complete stop when approaching a crosswalk.

•  Stay Alert: Pay close attention to your surroundings, adhere to all traffic signs and signals, and actively avoid distractions while driving.

•  Yield to Pedestrians: Always prioritize the safety of pedestrians in crosswalks by yielding the right-of-way and refrain from passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.

•  Know the Law: Texas drivers should also be aware of the Lisa Torry Smith Act, which amended section 544.007 of the Texas Transportation Code. It requires drivers to stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians or cyclists lawfully in the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk. An offense under the Lisa Torry Smith Act is a Class A misdemeanor, except in the case that the pedestrian or cyclist suffers serious bodily injury. In that event the offense is a state jail felony.

For Pedestrians

• Stop and Look: Before entering a crosswalk, pause and carefully scan for approaching vehicles. Make sure it's safe to cross.

•  Stay Alert: When walking put away electronics that take your eyes and ears off the road.

•  Assist Children: If you have younger children with you, guide them safely through the crosswalks, ensuring they understand the importance of looking out for vehicles.

"Stay vigilant, stay safe," says Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan. "By following these guidelines, both drivers and pedestrians can contribute to safer crosswalk experiences for everyone."

Construction and High Traffic in Katy ISD 

Katy ISD is also expecting a lot of traffic in high construction areas. This includes Cinco Ranch High School and Cinco Ranch Junior High, that are around roads under construction.

The District’s new schools, Nelson Junior High and Freeman High School as well as Youngblood Elementary are also expected to see traffic and delays from construction. The new four-way traffic lights that will help those schools is still not turned on. Katy Magazine reached out for an update with no response, but those schools will experience relief once that light is functional.  

Katy ISD has asked families to utilize their bus services in areas that are in high traffic areas.

SMART Tag Bus App

This school year, the SMART Tag web-based Parent Portal will be replaced by the SMART Tag app, which will send push notifications to registered mobile devices and tablets, providing parents with instant updates about delays, route alterations, or emergencies.

The SMART Tag app will provide families with real-time information compared to the web portal because the information will come directly from the app instead of through parents’ mobile carrier,” says Roy Kloeber, Associate Director for Transportation in Katy ISD.

Every Katy ISD bus is equipped with a tablet that reads the ID cards of student riders when they board and exit a bus. The system also helps drivers to verify the identity and bus route of each rider.

Parents who already have a SMART Tag account will be able to use the same log-in information on the app.  

Parents may download the app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Katy Magazine wishes everyone a wonderful and safe new academic year!

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