Watch out for students, school zones, says Texas DPS

AUSTIN, Texas - As the new school year begins across the state, Texas DPS is reminding drivers to take steps to keep students and staff safe on Texas roads.

"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," said DPS Director Steven McCraw. "I urge everyone on the road to be proactive and help ensure children arrive to and from school safely each and every day."

DPS says to help keep roads safe for students and staff, drivers can:

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 a crosswalk 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 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
Always obey speed limits and traffic laws in school zones
Remember that texting while driving is illegal in Texas

Back-to-school safety tips for both walkers and drivers

Many Central Texas children will be walking to school or the bus stop so it's important to keep a few things in mind for both your kids and for those of us in the car. Teens in the Driver Seat's Gabriella Kolodzy shares some insight.

DPS also advises drivers to know the laws regarding school buses. According to Texas law, if a bus has alternating flashing red signals visible from the front or rear, all 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.

However, Approaching drivers do not have to stop if the road is separated by a physical barrier or an intervening space, but if a highway is only divided by a left-turn lane, it is not considered divided and drivers must stop for school buses.

DPS says 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 person’s driver's license can be suspended for up to six months. A ticket for this offense cannot be dismissed through defensive driving.

In addition, criminal charges are possible if a driver causes someone serious bodily injury.