Texas DPS Shares Important School Safety Reminders for Drivers and Parents

The Texas Department of Public Safety is reminding drivers and parents to make school safety a priority as students return to classrooms across the state. DPS is urging Texans to slow down in school zones, obey school bus laws, eliminate driving distractions and review safety plans to help protect students throughout the school year.

We know there are some Texas school districts that have already started their school year. And many more will begin in the coming weeks, and don't forget about tax free weekend coming up if you still need to buy supplies for the school year. But it's also important to remember safety, and the Texas Department of Public Safety has just called on all Texans to help keep students safe this school year.

Texas DPS Back-to-School Safety Reminder

Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee said, "Slow down, eliminate distractions and remain alert—especially in school zones, at bus stops and in high-volume traffic areas. Every child deserves to arrive at school and return home safely, and that starts with each of us making responsible decisions behind the wheel."

Texas DPS reminds all Texans to be extra careful and be sure to slow down around school zones to protect students, staff and fellow drivers.

They've also included some 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.

READ MORE: Hall Pass Cash: Here's How You Can Win a $500 Visa Gift Card

Driving Tips for Texas School Zones

Driving Tips & Texas School Bus Safety:

• Give students extra room and don’t assume they are paying attention to your vehicle. Students are often distracted by mobile devices, electronic devices or by other students, and they may not be paying attention.
• 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 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.
• Texas law also prohibits texting while driving.

Safety Tips for Parents and Students

Safety Tips:

• Make sure your 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 the photograph of your child.
• Talk to your child about what to do in case of emergencies, such as fire, active shooter or tornado drills, as well as other lockdown drills.
• 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.

Don't forget Texas also has the iWatchTexas program which is a critical resource for reporting suspicious activity in schools and communities to help prevent dangerous attacks. Everyone is urged to download the free iOS or Android iWatchTexas mobile app before the start of the school year. Tips can be reported via the website, the mobile app or by calling 844-643-2251. All reports are confidential.