As students in Howard County, Maryland, head back to school, drivers can expect enhanced safety measures including increased police patrols, speed cameras, and new lighted stop signs in school zones. This initiative, part of the Helping Arriving Students Through Enforcement (H. A. S. T.

E. ) program, is designed to keep the roads safer for students, parents, and pedestrians during the critical back-to-school period. For the first three weeks of the school year, additional police officers will focus on enforcing traffic laws, targeting speeding, distracted driving, and ensuring compliance with pedestrian right-of-way rules. The county is also reminding drivers that school buses are equipped with cameras to catch those who illegally pass stopped buses, with fines set at $250 for violations. Speeding in school zones will incur a $40 fine, as the county aims to deter reckless driving behavior.

The newly installed lighted stop signs for crossing guards will improve visibility, utilizing funds generated from previous traffic fines. Howard County police emphasize the importance of these measures in protecting students as they return to the classroom, reinforcing community safety. Overall, these efforts reflect a proactive approach to ensuring student safety during a busy time of year.