As the 2024-2025 academic year is set to begin, the Midland Independent School District (MISD) has urged motorists to practice more caution when they hit the roads as more school buses will be out and about and pedestrian numbers increase.
A July 31 Facebook post by the Permian Basin public school district stated that it’s estimated about one-quarter of students walk or ride a bicycle every school day.
According to MISD, drivers will begin to see more flashing school zone lights and an increased law enforcement presence in the area in an effort to curb speeding.
The post requested motorists to help keep students and the community safe by slowing down, eyeing pedestrians, and avoiding passing a school bus while its stop sign is out.
In a Facebook post of its own, the city of Midland also urged drivers to be extra cautious on the roads.
According to the post, at least four Midland educational institutions will have commenced classes by the time MISD has its first day of school on August 13.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Midland Times reported, about 7,520 pedestrians were killed and over 67,000 pedestrians were injured in accidents nationwide in 2022.
During the same year, a pedestrian lost his or her life every 70 minutes in traffic crashes.