The Texas Department of Transportation reminds motorists and parents to exercise caution to prevent traffic crashes and injuries in and around school zones and bus stops this year.
Last school year, 784 traffic crashes occurred in Texas school zones, resulting in one death and 12 serious injuries. The most common causes for these crashes were driver inattention, failure to control speed, and failure to yield the right of way at a stop sign or when turning left.
In addition, five people were killed and 76 were seriously injured last year in 2,453 traffic crashes involving school buses in Texas. Speed and driver inattention were the top contributing factors in those crashes too.
"TxDOT urges drivers to slow down, pay attention and follow all traffic laws in school zones and when approaching school buses," said Marcus Sandifer, spokesman for TxDOT Atlanta District. "Many schools are opening later than usual this fall because of the pandemic. It's important that motorists be aware of changing traffic patterns around schools to keep children safe and to avoid costly fines and tickets."
Some TxDOT recommendations:
- Follow at a safe distance, keeping in mind that school buses make frequent stops.
- Stop for flashing red lights or a stop sign on a school bus, regardless of which direction you're headed. Continue your trip once the bus has moved, the flashing lights stop flashing or the bus driver signals it's OK to pass.
- Always remain alert for children around buses and remember they may not always look for vehicles before crossing the street.
- Be aware that traffic patterns around schools may have changed since the last school year.
- Stay alert and put your phone away. Using a handheld electronic device while driving in an active school zone is against the law.
- Always obey school zone speed limit signs. Remember, traffic fines increase in school zones. Drop off and pick up your children in your school's designated areas, not the middle of the street.
- Keep an eye on children gathered at bus stops. Watch for children who might dart across the street or between vehicles.