School Zone Safety: Tips and Guidelines for Drivers and Students
Introduction to School Zone Safety
As another school year begins in North Texas this week, school buses have again begun appearing on area roadways. The safety of students, drivers, and pedestrians is a top priority, especially in school zones. In 2024, nearly 2,500 crashes in Texas involved school buses, with 11 people killed and 93 seriously injured, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The most common causes of bus-involved crashes were speeding and distracted driving.
More than 740 crashes took place in school zones in 2023, according to TxDOT. These statistics highlight the importance of being aware of the rules and guidelines for navigating school zones safely. Here’s how to keep yourself and others safe when in a school zone or on the road:
Planning Ahead
Understanding Traffic Patterns and School Zones
Traffic patterns might have changed around schools since last year, so be on the lookout for any updates from your child’s school on where to go. Be sure to drop off and pick up in designated areas only. “A lot of times the schools will change those designated areas and so rather than, let’s say, a parent stopping in the street because they’re confused or don’t know, we just advise that they connect with someone at the school to try to find out if, in fact, there is a new traffic pattern or some new drop off or pickup instructions,” said Alice Shaw, spokesman for the Texas Department of Transportation’s Dallas division.
If children cross to reach the school entrance, make sure they only do so at designated crossings. Darting between cars is a hazard in school lots.
Safe Driving Practices
Slowing Down and Staying Alert
This isn’t unique to school zones, but avoid distractions like cellphones when driving. Using a phone or other handheld device in a school zone is against the law. Motorists should also remember that children can be distracted too and might not notice a vehicle if they’re looking at their phone or have headphones on.
“Some of these are really young kids who are walking to school for the first time,” Shaw said. “Drivers need to be patient.” Motorists in a hurry can lead to collisions, so TxDOT advises leaving earlier than usual to account for school traffic. Obey posted speed limits in school zones and heed warning signs.
Always yield for pedestrians and cyclists in crosswalks. The Lisa Torry Smith Act of 2021 enhanced the penalties for seriously injuring someone lawfully in a crosswalk. Whether accidental or not, the offense is now a state jail felony.
If you’re sharing the road with a school bus, follow at a safe distance.
Stopping for School Buses
School buses are one of the safest vehicles on the road with a less than 1% fatality rate, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. But children are at greater risk when approaching or leaving a bus. When to stop for buses can be a source of confusion for some drivers, but stopping is mandatory no matter which way you’re headed in relation to the bus.
Yellow flashing lights mean a bus is preparing to stop, and drivers should slow down. Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm mean children are getting on or off and motorists must stop. “Do not pass a school bus if you see flashing red lights or an extended stop sign on a school bus, regardless of which direction you’re headed, unless the bus is on the opposite roadway of a divided highway,” TxDOT advises. “Continue once the bus has moved, the flashing lights stop flashing or the bus driver signals it’s okay to pass.”
Failing to stop for a bus can lead to a fine of up to $1,250 for a first offense.
Safety Tips for Students
Walking or Biking to School
It might seem like a given, but make sure that if you have children walking or biking to school, they know how to do so safely. Like all pedestrians, children on their way to school should use sidewalks and cross the street only at marked crosswalks or intersections. Stay alert and make eye contact with drivers rather than assuming they see you.
It’s essential to follow all posted signs and the instructions of crossing guards, and to avoid distractions like cellphones when walking or biking. “It’s incumbent upon both the students themselves and the drivers to pay attention,” Shaw said.
Additional Safety Measures
Be on the lookout for children around buses since they might not always look for vehicles when deboarding or crossing the street. Children waiting for buses should stand as far back from the curb as possible. Never walk behind a bus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, school zone safety is a shared responsibility among drivers, students, and pedestrians. By following the guidelines and tips outlined above, we can all contribute to a safer environment for everyone. Remember to plan ahead, slow down, and stay alert when driving in school zones, and always follow the rules for stopping for school buses. If you have children walking or biking to school, make sure they know how to do so safely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the most common causes of bus-involved crashes?
A: The most common causes of bus-involved crashes are speeding and distracted driving.
Q: What should I do if I see a school bus with yellow flashing lights?
A: If you see a school bus with yellow flashing lights, slow down because the bus is preparing to stop.
Q: Can I pass a school bus with red flashing lights?
A: No, you should not pass a school bus with red flashing lights unless the bus is on the opposite roadway of a divided highway. Always stop for a school bus with red flashing lights and an extended stop arm.
Q: What is the penalty for failing to stop for a school bus?
A: Failing to stop for a school bus can lead to a fine of up to $1,250 for a first offense.
Q: How can I ensure my child’s safety while walking or biking to school?
A: To ensure your child’s safety while walking or biking to school, teach them to use sidewalks, cross at marked crosswalks or intersections, and avoid distractions like cellphones. Also, make sure they know how to safely navigate around school buses.
