Students returned to classrooms across Webster Parish on Monday, marking the start of the 2025-26 school year. Children arrived with backpacks and smiles, ready for the year ahead, while crossing guards took up their posts to help ensure students’ safety.
With the return of school traffic, motorists in Minden and throughout the parish are urged to use extra caution in school zones, near school buses, and when transporting children. Drivers are reminded to follow all posted signs and signals, reduce speed in marked school zones, and obey instructions from crossing guards, who have the authority to direct traffic.
A new statewide hands-free law prohibits drivers of all ages from using handheld cell phones to call, text, or access social media while driving on public roadways in Louisiana. Authorities say staying focused and minimizing distractions are key to preventing crashes and keeping students safe.
School bus safety
Drivers must stop for school buses when red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, regardless of direction of travel. Traffic must come to a complete stop at least 30 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the bus moves again and the lights are no longer flashing.
The only exception is for drivers traveling on a four-lane roadway with a physical barrier, raised median, or continuous turn lane separating opposing lanes of traffic. In all other cases, drivers must stop when the bus stops.
Child passenger safety
Louisiana law requires children under 13 to ride in the back seat whenever possible. For younger children, safety guidelines include:
— Rear-facing car seats until at least age two or until the child exceeds the height or weight limit of the seat.
— Forward-facing car seats with internal harnesses for as long as possible, typically up to 65 pounds.
As the new school year begins, law enforcement and school officials urge drivers to slow down, stay alert, and make safe choices to protect students on the road.
