As students begin heading back to school, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds all Texans to exercise heightened caution and adhere to safety measures implemented to protect students, staff, and fellow drivers this school year. This includes tips on how to safely drop off and pick up your child from school, drive cautiously through school zones, and talk to your family and loved ones about staying safe this school year and beyond.
“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,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “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.
- 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.
- Know the laws regarding school buses. 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 can only proceed if the flashing lights are no longer activated, the driver signals you to proceed, or the bus has resumed driving. Approaching drivers do not have to stop for a school bus that is operating a visual signal if the road is separated by a physical barrier or an intervening space. If a highway is only divided by a left-turn lane, it is not considered divided, and drivers must stop for school buses.
- 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 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
In addition to driver safety tips in and around school zones and near school buses, it is imperative to have regular conversations with your children about school safety and situational awareness during an emergency or severe weather event. DPS reminds Texas families of critical safety tips to ensure parents, guardians, and children are prepared to navigate any potential emergencies or natural disasters that may arise this school year.
- Ensure the school has up-to-date emergency contact information, including phone numbers for parents, guardians, and alternate contacts.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ensure your child knows which adults at school (teachers, counselors, etc.) they can go to if they need help.
- Continue to cultivate conversations throughout the school year on practicing smart safety at school.
