Dwight from Port Arthur Asks: I have three grandchildren that are school age, and they often use the school district bus for transportation to and from school. Officer Antoine, I’m a proud Paw-Paw to be able to attend the different activities they participate in because they are all active in sports, and they are transported pretty much everywhere by the big yellow buses the school district provides. I’m concerned about the school buses that are not equipped with seat belts. Shouldn’t all school buses have seat belts now? I was under the impression it was the law in Texas that all school buses have to be outfitted with seat belts. I’m not complaining about the district, just a very overly concerned Paw-Paw about why this hasn’t been completed by now. Officer Antoine thanks for all you do!

Answer: Good question Dwight! I understand your concern Dwight, but believe it or not as far as land vehicles, school buses are the safest means of all ground transportation, with or without safety belts. Dwight, consider this: School buses are huge, heavy and high off the ground and all of this contributes to the added degree of bus safety. There are about 400,000 public school buses that routinely transport about 25 million children, and nationwide it records less than 10 children each year who are killed as a result of a crash. Yeah I know Dwight, one child is too many, but when we think about 800 children who are killed each school year while either walking, biking or riding in a passenger vehicle to and from school, that number 10 isn’t so bad after all. Today only six states have school bus seat belt requirements; they are California, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and the great state of Texas. Dwight, in Texas in 2018, all new school buses are mandated to be equipped with safety belts. The old buses are grandfathered in because it’s not believed to be cost effective. It’s estimated to cost districts in Texas anywhere between $7,000 to $11,000. I know, I know, I know! I can hear you now, there are arguments to be made on both sides. Cost vs. safety, but the law is the law right now until it changes. School buses are compartmentalized and seats are high with lots of cushion, and it’s been proven to be safer than all other vehicles on the road. Just my opinion, backed by facts. I’d much rather let my child ride a school bus than any other means of travel … unless they can fly a plane to school!

Margarette from Bridge City asks: Officer Antoine, I read your article on a regular basis. I find some information that is not touched upon is the AARP driving classes for seniors. I have two questions from some of your recent answers: First, you mentioned a minimum speed limit on Highway 69; I haven’t seen a sign giving that information. My second question is about setting the parking brake. I was of the understanding that putting the car in park mode was the same as putting the parking brake in standard shift cars. Is the park position on the automatic transmission cars the same as the parking brake? Thanks you for your weekly article.

Answer: Very good question, Margarette! Thanks for being a regular follower of the Ask a Cop column. Margarette, the reason little information is given about American Association for Retired Persons is because it’s not asked of often. Keep in mind, this is ASK A COP and I respond to the questions asked by readers. I’m aware that many readers are seniors. So if my senior readers would ask questions that pertain to their age group, I’d be more than happy to answer them. Margarette, you are correct, there are no minimum speed limit signs posted on Highway 69. In recent past, there was a minimum speed limit sign on highways in Texas and it was 45 mph. I still today hold to that standard. The Texas Transportation Code 545.363 states an operator may not drive so slowly as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law. The posted speed limit on Highway 69 is 75 mph. If in optimum driving conditions you are not traveling at least 45mph in the right lane, you will be impeding the traffic flow. Margarette, Texas Transportation Code 545.404(a)(4) upon leaving a vehicle unattended a driver must effectively set the parking brake. Whether in a standard or automatic transmission, vehicle drivers must set the parking brake once exiting a vehicle that’s unattended.

Brad from Nederland asks: Officer Antoine, thanks for all you do! I have a friend that has his third parking light that’s out, but he’s not concerned because the regular brake lights are working just fine. Is that OK since it’s just the third brake light?

Answer: Good Question Brad! The third brake light is not an optional accessory, it’s now standard, mandatory equipment on all vehicles. The third brake light must be kept in working condition as you would all other brake lights, so tell your friend to get that brake light fixed.

Join Officer Antoine for Ask A Cop Live, on KSAP 96.9 FM, “The Breeze” radio station, every Tuesday for one hour from 1-2 p.m. Tune in and listen as Officer Antoine discusses in detail the newly released Ask A Cop article that was printed in The News. You can also tune in via internet at www.ksapthebreeze.org. Feel free to call in and ask your question live to Officer Antoine at (409) 982-0247.

Remember to email your questions to Rickey.Antoine@portarthurtx.gov, or call 409-983-8673 and leave a message or voice mail question, or mail them to: Ofc. Rickey Antoine, 645 4th Street, Port Arthur, Texas, 77640. If you happen to see me in public you canAsk A Cop!