Back-to-School Traffic Awareness

As students start the new 2024-2025 school year, driver safety tips in-and-around school zones and nearby school buses are imperative. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds all Texans to exercise heightened awareness and adhere to safety measures implemented to protect students, staff and fellow drivers this school year. Kids are not always easy to see. Therefore, it’s important to drive smart and have situational awareness to keep everyone safe.

DPS Director Steven McCraw shared this: “Going back to school is a memorable time for students and their families, and starting a new school year is the perfect time to start or continue practicing good safety habits. As students head back to the classroom, let’s be proactive, stay alert and take every necessary step to ensure our children, parents, teachers and staff have a safe and productive school year.”

Driving Tips:

· Give students extra room and don’t assume they are paying attention to your vehicle. Students are often distracted by mobile devices, listening to electronic devices or by other students, and they may not be paying attention to their surroundings.

· Don’t block crosswalks when stopped at a red light or stop sign. Watch for children on bicycles traveling to and from schools.

· Reduce your speed when you spot a school bus and know children may unexpectedly step into the road without checking for oncoming traffic.

· Be careful around railroad crossings. School buses are legally required to stop at them.

· Drivers who illegally pass a school bus face fines up to $1,250 for the first offense. For people convicted of the offense more than once, the law allows for the person’s driver’s license to be suspended for up to six months. Criminal charges are possible if a driver causes someone serious bodily injury.

· Always obey speed limits and traffic laws in school zones.

· Remember, texting while driving is illegal in Texas.

Safety tips:

· Keep a current, up-to-date picture of your child throughout the school year on your mobile device that shows identifying information. In the event of an emergency, law enforcement can quickly distribute an updated photograph of your child. Ensure the school has up-to-date emergency contact information, including phone numbers for parents, guardians and alternate contacts.

· Talk to your child about what to do in case of emergencies, such as fire drills, active shooter drills, tornado drills or other lockdowns.

· Remind your child to never talk to strangers or accept rides from anyone not previously approved by you.

· Familiarize yourself and your child with their school’s safety policies and procedures.

· Continue to cultivate conversations throughout the school year on practicing smart safety at school.