In preparation for the new school year, Howard County, Maryland, is enhancing safety measures in school zones through the H. A. S. T. E.

(Helping Arriving Students Through Enforcement) initiative. This program will see an increased police presence, additional speed cameras, and the introduction of lighted stop signs to promote student safety. Officers will be actively monitoring for speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield to pedestrians, ensuring that drivers adhere to traffic laws. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of seat belt use and proper child safety seat installation to protect all vehicle occupants. Notably, school buses are equipped with exterior cameras to catch drivers who illegally pass when the stop signs are deployed, imposing a hefty $250 fine for offenders.

Speeding in school zones will result in a $40 fine, with the locations of these cameras publicly posted for transparency. The crossing guards will also benefit from improved visibility due to the lighted stop signs funded by fines collected through the county’s Automated Enforcement programs. This comprehensive approach underscores Howard County’s commitment to ensuring the safety of students as they return to school.