State leaders share driver, pedestrian safety tips as school year begins

Texas law states drivers must stop for a school bus with an extended stop sign or red flashing lights—even if you are driving in the opposite direction. Motorists should wait until the bus starts moving again, the flashing lights turn off or the bus driver signals that it is okay to pass.

You do not have to stop for a school bus on the other side of a highway separated by a physical barrier, such as a grassy median, guide rail or concrete wall, according to the American Red Cross.

Drivers face a $1,250 fine for illegally passing a school bus. Repeat offenders may have their driver's licenses suspended for up to six months.

Here are some additional tips for driving during the school year:

• Watch for children gathered at bus stops and slow down when you see a school bus, as students may not look both ways before stepping into the road.
• Follow the directions of school crossing guards and yield to children in or near crosswalks.
• Never block a crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to turn.
• Obey speed limits and remember that traffic fines increase in school zones.
• Drop off and pick up children in their school’s designated area, not in the middle of the street.
• Remember that school buses are required to stop at railroad crossings.

The American Red Cross encourages families to talk about traffic safety before children head back to school.

Students should always use sidewalks or walk facing traffic if no sidewalk is available, the Red Cross said in a news release. Students biking to school should always wear helmets and ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic.

“If your student is younger or going to school for the first time, teach them: their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and how to dial 911; [and] not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know,” the Red Cross said.

Parents and guardians should also talk to their children about what to do in an emergency or drill, such as a fire, active shooter, tornado or other lockdown, according to a DPS news release. Children should also know which adults to go to if they need help at school, such as teachers or counselors.

“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,” DPS Director Steven McCraw said in the release. “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.”

One more thing

TxDOT reported 2,523 crashes involving Texas school buses in 2023, which killed 11 people and seriously injured 63.

This March, a 5-year-old Hays CISD student was killed in Bastrop County when a concrete truck veered into a school bus returning from a field trip, Community Impact previously reported. A 33-year-old motorist behind the bus also died during the crash, and 51 others were injured.