Flood Warning: Flood Warning issued June 28 at 10:44AM CDT until June 28 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Lake Charles LA Read More

Louisiana State Troopers Urge Motorists to Exercise Caution as Schools Across the State Resume

Louisiana State Troopers Urge Motorists to Exercise Caution as Schools Across the State Resume

 
As the 2022-23 school year gets started, Louisiana State Police would like to remind motorists to drive with extra care and be especially aware of school zone speed limits, school buses loading or unloading children, and children walking or biking to school. Troopers along with local law enforcement will be patrolling school zones throughout the state, and speeding will not be tolerated while school zone speed limits are in effect. Most school zones have a reduced speed limit from 7:00-9:00 am and 2:00-4:00 pm. However, some zones are marked with slightly different times, and it is the responsibility of motorists to be aware of these speed zones and to reduce their speed accordingly.
 
A school bus is designed to be the safest vehicle on the road, but the greatest risk to our school-age children is the loading and unloading of children at bus stops. As a reminder to motorists, all vehicular traffic must stop no less than 30 feet from a school bus when the stop signals on the bus are activated. A vehicle approaching a stopped school bus from the opposite direction does not have to stop when traffic is separated by a divided median but must remain cautious of the children boarding or exiting the bus.
Additionally, motorists are encouraged to remember that:
 
  • School zones are generally in effect on school days, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am – 9:00 am in the morning and from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm in the afternoon. These times may vary depending on location.
  • Louisiana Law states that no person shall operate any wireless communication device, which includes texting and any social media while operating a motor vehicle during the posted hours within a school zone. School zones across Louisiana are hands-free zones, so put that cell phone down while driving.
  • School crossing guards have the authority to direct vehicles through intersections when traffic lights are red and to stop vehicles when the traffic lights are green. Motorists who are approaching school zones are urged to pay attention to the school crossing guards for hand instructions.
 
Motorists should expect traffic congestion and possible delays near school zones. It is important for each driver to be patient with the increased traffic and allow extra time to arrive safely at their destination. Remember to always buckle up and insist that ALL occupants in the vehicle are buckled up as well. Keeping these safety tips in mind will help assure a safe school year not only for our children but for the motoring public as well.
 
When to Stop for a School Bus in Louisiana
Calcasieu Parish School Bus Laws
Vehicles traveling behind a bus in the same direction must always stop when the bus’s red lights are flashing.

Vinton I-10 Westbound Right Lane Closure Scheduled March 31-April 1

Vinton, Louisiana – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced an overnight lane closure on Interstate 10 westbound in Vinton for roadway maintenance. According to the agency, the right lane of I-10 westbound will be closed from Coone…

read more…

Lake Charles And Westlake I-10 Shoulder Closures Scheduled Through April 22, 2026

LAKE CHARLES, La. — The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced multiple singular shoulder closures along Interstate 10 in both directions between mile marker 25 in Westlake and mile marker 31 in Lake Charles from Sunday, March 22, 2026,…

read more…

Sulphur Drivers Advised Of March 16-20 Lane Closures At Beglis Pkwy Intersection

SULPHUR, LA. — The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, or DOTD, said alternating lane closures are scheduled to begin Monday, March 16, 2026, at the intersection of E Burton Street and North Beglis Parkway in Sulphur as crews perform milling and…

read more…