Keeping Kids Safe in School Zones & Around Buses

Texas Department of Transportation Public Service Announcement

  Traffic crashes in Texas school zones increased 12% from 2024-2025. As kids across the state head back to school next week, TxDOT is reminding drivers to slow down and stay alert around schools to help prevent crashes and save lives.

Tips for driving in school zones

• Look for flashing school zone lights in the morning and afternoon and obey school zone speed limits. Traffic fines increase in school zones.
• Stay alert and put your phone out of reach. Using a handheld electronic device while driving in an active school zone is against the law.
• Stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users in crosswalks. The Lisa Torry Smith Act of 2021 protects people in crosswalks and enhanced the penalties for failing to follow the law. Seriously injuring someone who is lawfully in a crosswalk is now a state jail felony.
• Know where to go. Drop off and pick up your kids in your school’s designated areas, not the middle of the street.
• Be on the lookout for children gathered at bus stops.
• Watch out for kids who might dart across the street or between vehicles.

Tips for sharing the road with school buses

• Follow school buses at a safe distance. Remember they make frequent stops.
• Keep an eye out for children exiting the bus and crossing the street.
• Stop for school buses. Do not pass a school bus if you see flashing red lights or an extended stop sign, regardless of which direction you’re headed, unless the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway. Continue once the bus has moved, the lights stop flashing or the bus driver signals it’s okay to pass.
• Violations can result in a fine of up to $1,250 for a first offense.

Tips for children walking or biking to school

• Use sidewalks. If there’s not one, it’s best to walk on the left side of the street, facing traffic.
• Cross the street only at intersections or crosswalks. Wait for the walk signal and look left, right and left again before crossing.
• Pay close attention to crossing guards and obey their instructions. 
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. Never assume a driver sees you.
• Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or scooter.
• Stay alert. Phones or other devices are distracting and can take your eyes and ears off the road.

“Be Safe. Drive Smart”