Drivers in Orange will soon be seeing signs going up banning cell phone use in school zones.

During a city council meeting Tuesday evening, Major Mike Broussard with the Orange Police Department, asked the council to consider placing signs about cell phone usage in school zones. After a brief discussion, they unanimously approved the placement and purchase of the signs adding the costs of the signs does not outweigh the value of a child’s life.

“The police department enthusiastically supports any effort that increases the level of safety for the children of our community,” he said. “There is no doubt that distractions from the use of cell phones while driving contribute significantly to the accident rate.”

Broussard asked for the council to authorize OPD to enforce the statue.

Although the Texas Legislature recently made a change to the transportation code, it is up to cities to adopt the provision of the code. The state of Texas will place the signs on school zones that are state highways. As a result, the city will request state officials to post the signs at West Orange-Stark Intermediate Campus on Green Ave., Orangefield schools on Highway 105, Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School on Highway 87, Little Cypress Jr. High School on FM1130 and Community Christian School on FM 3247.

Locally funded signs to be posted will include schools such as Anderson Elementary, North Early Learning Center, St. Mary’s and Little Cypress Intermediate.

But the law will not be enforced everywhere unless a sign is posted, HB 155 states, “A municipality, county or other political subdivision that enforces this section shall post a sign that complies with the standards described by this subsection at the entrance to each school crossing zone in the municipality, county or other political subdivision.” Violators could face up to a $200 fine.

In accordance with HB 155, which becomes effective Sept. 1, Texas Department of Transportation has adopted the “cell phone use prohibited” sign.

As required the sign will be posted below the school speed limit sign.

Other cities who have posted or requested the new signs in school zones are Bridge City and West Orange.

“TxDOT will not blanket install these signs on our roadways,” said Janet Manley, Director of Transportation Operations for TxDOT. “The respective city, county or police department where the school zone is located is first required to contact TxDOT.”

After TxDOT is contacted, they will at that time instruct them to provide in writing their intent to enforce the cell phone prohibition. In many cases it will only require TxDOT to shift the current sign up and install the new sign, Manley said.

Other locations, it will require the installation of new posts and rewiring of the flashing beacons to accommodate the new sign in the assembly, she added.

“TxDOT has to ensure that the effort in dollars and manpower to incorporate this new sign is justified,” Manley said. “As the requests come in we will fill the orders.”

To avoid being given a citation, cell phone users may want to invest in a “hands free” device.

According to HB155, a “handsfree device means a speakerphone capability or telephone attachment or other piece of equipment, regardless of whether permanently installed in the motor vehicle, that allows use of the wireless communication device without use of either of the operator’s hands.”

The only other time a person may use a cell phone in a school zone is if the vehicle is stopped.

Legislators also addressed bus drivers as well. They cannot use a cell phone while operating a passenger bus with a minor passenger unless the bus is stopped. However, the law does permit bus drivers to use their cell phone if the call was deemed necessary such as for an emergency response service such as rescue, medical or hazardous material.



Debby Schamber is a reporter for the Orange Leader. She can be reached at 409-883-3571 ext. 2609 or at dschamber@orangeleader.com.