Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property ET_Builder_Module_Comments::$et_pb_unique_comments_module_class is deprecated in /home/csmediatexas/murphymonitor/wp-content/themes/Divi/includes/builder/class-et-builder-element.php on line 1425
Collin Summer Reg 2025

School zone testing to begin

by | Aug 10, 2017 | Education

By David Jenkins

Staff Writer

[email protected]

 

While the beginning of the 2017-’18 school year just two weeks away, there are things to be mindful of other than shopping for back to school supplies.

School zone safety tops the list for those students attending Boggess or Martha Hunt Elementary, Murphy Middle School and McMillen High School. First day of school for the Plano ISD schools is Monday, Aug. 21.

For residents dropping students off at the middle and high school along North Murphy Rd. there are some lights to be aware of.

Most importantly, the two pedestrian crosswalks that were installed on the six-lane road with traffic control light standards, in accordance with the Safe Routes to School.

The standards can be found near the intersections of Shirehurst Dr. and Windsor Dr.

The crosswalks feature clearly marked stripes that point out the proper stopping locations. They operate similar to a regular crosswalk with the main difference being that the new ones feature blinking amber lights at the start.

To cross the street, pedestrians will push the appropriate button and then the amber lights will flash and send a warning to drivers that pedestrians are in the area.

After a set amount of time, the lights turn to a solid amber color, which means a stop is imminent.

From there, the lights start to flash red to indicate that motorists must stop and made sure no one is trying to cross, before turning red indicating motorists must come to a full stop.

“We just want to make sure that people look both ways when approaching those crosswalks. Once that happens they may continue driving again,” Murphy Police Chief Arthur Cotten said.

In addition to the light poles there are indicator lights that are buried in the roadbed. The lights are intended to warn drivers of the lights overhead and they don’t change colors.

Those looking to cross the street will notice a set of instructions on the pole, which includes a 30-second countdown indicating when the lights are no longer active.

School bus loading and unloading is another factor to be aware of when driving in a school zone. The city of Murphy ordinance prohibits passing another vehicle in a school zone when school speed zone limit is in effect.

“You need to make sure not to pass the stopped bus when they have their stop sign out. Buses can be hard to see around so making sure you stop is important,” Cotten said.

On a two-lane road, vehicles traveling in both directions must stop. On a multi-lane paved road with no barrier, vehicles traveling in both directions must stop. On a divided highway with a raised median or physical barrier, vehicles behind a bus must stop and vehicles traveling in the opposite direction must proceed with caution.

The city has fines related to excessive speeding in school zones. One to 10 miles per hour over the limit is $230, 11 to 14 over the limit is $255, 15 to 19 over the limit is $305 and 20-plus over the limit is $329. Statewide the fine for using a cell phone, including texting, while driving in a school zone is $200 to $500.

For more stories like this subscribe to our print or e-edition.

NTMWD 2025

0 Comments

Public Notice - Subscribe

Related News

Diplomas awarded to Plano East graduates

Diplomas awarded to Plano East graduates

Plano East Senior High School Class of 2025 graduates toss their caps in the air Wednesday, May 28, at the conclusion of commencement exercises at The Star in Frisco. Leaders of the Plano East Senior High (PESH) School Class of 2025 challenged their classmates to stay...

read more
Leaders of the PESH Panther pack

Leaders of the PESH Panther pack

Plano East Senior High co-salutatorian Bipul Kumar Padhy, left, valedictorian Prisha Prakash Bhat, center, and co-salutatorian Nikhil Raghu. Courtesy photo Plano East Senior High School’s top three graduates -- Valedictorian Prisha Prakash Bhat and Co-salutatorians...

read more
Awards gala honors educators

Awards gala honors educators

Elementary Paraprofessional of the Year Lily Courtney reacts after hearing her name announced at the district’s annual banquet held Friday, May 2 at the Plano Event Center. Courtesy Wylie ISD Wylie ISD honored some of its most dedicated and passionate educators during...

read more
Top WHS students show gratitude, give advice

Top WHS students show gratitude, give advice

Andrew Varghese, Wylie High’s valedictorian, and Guneet Dhaliwal, salutatorian, will walk the stage with their classmates Saturday, May 24 at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen.  As Wylie High School seniors Andrew Varghese, Class of 2025...

read more
Governor signs school voucher bill

Governor signs school voucher bill

Gov. Greg Abbott displays Senate Bill 2, signed May 3, creating educational savings accounts – a school voucher system – in Texas. Courtesy Governor's Office Effective with the 2026-27 school year, Texas families will be able to apply for a trust fund account from...

read more
Collin College candidates file reports

Collin College candidates file reports

Two candidates for the Collin College Board of Trustees have filed 30-day preelection campaign finance reports ahead of the upcoming Saturday, May 3, election, detailing their fundraising and expenditures in compliance with state law. The reports were filed by Place 4...

read more
WISD begins 2025-26 budget planning

WISD begins 2025-26 budget planning

The routine business of charting the financial direction of Wylie Independent School District is in progress and included a budget presentation at last month’s board of trustees meeting. As Wylie ISD prepares for the 2025-26 fiscal year, administrators are building a...

read more
Public Notice - Subscribe