Safety urged as public schools begin 2022-23 school year

With Las Cruces Public Schools open for the 2022-23 school year, the Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) encourages motorists to drive with caution and particularly when traveling near school zones and bus stops, the City of Las Cruces said in a news release.
 LCPD suggests following these tips for a successful – and safe – school year:

• Obey all traffic laws and speed limits, especially the 15 mile-per-hour speed limit in school zones.
• Do not pass other vehicles in school zones or at crosswalks.
• Do not change lanes in school zones.
• Do not make U-turns in school zones.
• Do not text or otherwise use a cell phone unless it is completely hands-free.
• Stop for school buses that are loading or unloading children.
• Watch for and obey signals from school crossing guards.
• Be alert and watch for children near schools, bus stops and in school parking lots.
• Unless licensed to do so, do not park in handicap spaces to drop off or pick up children.
• Do not park at curbs painted yellow or red, which are designated for emergency vehicles only.
• Teenage students who drive to school should avoid speeding and minimize distractions from cell phone usage, eating, loud music or disruptive passengers.
• Parents of younger students who ride a school bus should consider escorting their children to and from their scheduled bus stop.