DPS reminds drivers to be aware of school zones, buses

The Texas Department of Public Safety is reminding drivers to slow down in school zones, stay off cell phones and be aware of school buses as the new academic year arrives. 

DPS is asking the public to take steps to keep students and school staff members safe this year. 

“Going back to school is an exciting time for students, parents and staff, but it is paramount that drivers are more alert when around buses and schools,” DPS Director Steven McCraw said. “I urge everyone on the road to be proactive and help ensure children arrive to and from school safely each and every day.”

DPS offers the following tips for school safety:

• Give students extra room and don’t assume they are paying attention to traffic. Students are frequently distracted by mobile devices or listening on electronic devices and may not be paying attention to their surroundings.
• Don’t block crosswalks when stopped at a red light or stop sign.
• Follow school crossing guard’s directions.
• Watch for children on bicycles traveling to and from schools.
• Reduce 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 as school buses are legally required to stop at them.
• Know 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. A ticket for this offense cannot be dismissed through defensive driving. 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.

Information provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety