The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds drivers to use extra caution in-and-around school zones and neighborhoods as we enter the new school year. DPS offers these tips for back-to-school safety:
- Give students extra room and don’t assume they are paying attention to your vehicle. Students are often distracted by mobile devices and may not be paying attention to their surroundings.
- Don’t block a crosswalk when stopped at a red light or stop sign.
- Follow the directions of school crossing guards.
- 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.
- According to Texas law, if a bus has alternating flashing red signals visible from the front or rear, drivers MUST stop before reaching the bus.
- Drivers who illegally pass a school bus face fines of up to $1,250 for the first offense.
- Always obey speed limits and traffic laws in school zones.
- Remember that texting while driving is illegal in Texas.
