Below are three key tips state officials ask Texans to keep in mind this back-to-school season.
1. Give students space
Drivers should give students extra room on roads and assume students are not paying attention to the vehicles around them, the DPS said in a news release.
Students are often distracted by their phones, listening to music or talking to their peers instead of watching their surroundings.
Motorists should also be aware of children biking to and from school, the news release states.
2. Be safe around crosswalks
Drivers should never block crosswalks at stop signs or red lights, the DPS said. Texans should also follow the directions of crossing guards in and around school zones.
3. Know the laws regarding school buses
Drivers should reduce their speed if they see a school bus, as students may step into the road without looking both ways, the release states.
Texas law states that drivers must stop for a school bus if flashing red lights are visible from the front or back of the bus. According to the DPS, drivers should only proceed if:
- The flashing lights are turned off.
- The bus driver signals them to go.
- The bus has resumed driving.
Drivers who illegally pass a school bus may be fined up to $1,250 for their first offense, the release states. Drivers convicted of multiple offenses may have their license suspended for up to six months.
The Texas Department of Transportation encourages students to:
- Stand as far back from the curb as possible when waiting for a school bus.
- Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop, and look for a signal from the driver that it is safe to get on.
- Listen to the bus driver, and avoid distracting them.
- Always cross in front of the bus and make eye contact with the driver.
“It takes time for drivers to get used to seeing buses on the roads and more kids walking on the sidewalks or crossing streets,” DPS Director Steven McCraw said in the release. “We’re asking people to take some extra time and be cautious in order to do your part and keep everyone safe as kids across the state head back to school.”
Students, parents and school staff should also be aware of the various school safety resources available to them, McCraw said.
Texans who witness suspicious activity in their schools or communities can report it through iWatchTexas. Confidential tips can be made online, through the mobile app or by calling 844-643-2251.
In an emergency, Texans should always call 911, according to DPS.
During an active shooting at or near a school, DPS will send out alerts through cellphones, local broadcast media and the Texas Department of Transportation’s Dynamic Message Signs, the release states. Officials use the Active Shooter Alert System, which was implemented in 2021, to communicate with local law enforcement and confirm details about the emergency situation.
