AISD officials reminds public to practice safe driving in school zones

AISD school officials and law enforcement buckled up and hitched a ride on one AISD’s newest school buses Thursday.

The ride was certainly a throwback for superintendent Paul Cruz and Police Chief Brian Manley.

"It sure was fun riding on a school bus again but I don't remember them being that nice. The one's I rode on didn't have air conditioners or things like that," Chief Manley said. "How long have we said click it or ticket how long have we've known that seatbelts save lives and so the fact that we are now getting these on to our school buses. I think it's important and it's going to enhance the safety of our community."

The district has acquired 50 new school buses with safety features including cameras inside and outside the vehicles.

AISD Executive Director of Transportation Kris Hafezizadeh said AISD police has issued more than 30,000 tickets to drivers failing to stop for a school bus in the past two years and continue to see an increase.

"The number of violations is high and we want that to reduce one positive thing is that the number of repeated violators is very minimal,” Hafezizadeh said. "Just take a few seconds be cautious and help us to keep our students safe."