It’s Back-to-School Time: Here’s What Texas Drivers Need to Know

It's back-to-school time in Texas which means it's more important than ever to stay safe on the roads and avoid dumb driving.

In efforts to help drivers avoid playing bumper cars on the road, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has released driving tips to avoid hefty fines, injuries, or worse within school zones.

Not only do drivers need to be on their guard this time of year, but parents and school staff also need to remain vigilant when they drop off and pick up children at or from school.

Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee reminds drivers how crucial safety during school days truly is:

Children can be unpredictable and it's our responsibility to keep them safe. A moment of impatience or distraction behind the wheel can have life-changing consequences. Let's all do our part to make sure students arrive safely every day.

Driving Tips for All Texans

DPS also offers some advice as children begin heading to school, like making sure you don't block crosswalks when stopping at red lights or stop signs. You should always follow the directions of school crossing guards and watch for kids riding bikes on the road.

Know the laws when it comes to school buses dropping kids off on the side of the road. For instance, Texas law requires you to stop when a bus is flashing their lights and can only pass once they are off.

This goes for the vehicles on the other side of the road as well, unless there is a physical barrier like a median that splits the roads in half.

Illegally passing a school bus while its lights are flashing can result in a fine of up to $1,250 and can lead to serious injury for the driver or a child who runs across the street.

Texas Resources for Staying Safe

Texas DPS reminds all citizens of the resources available that add extra protection for students heading to school:

• iWatchTexas - Report suspicious activity to prevent dangerous attacks on the community
• Texas School Safety Center - Training research for schools and districts in school evacuations or other emergency protocols
• Active Shooter Alert System - Notify people near an active shooter situation via text messages
• DPS Safety Education Service - Notify students and members of the public about drug use prevention, traffic safety, drunk driving, and more