Tips for being safe in school zones

As summer vacation comes to an end for students, the 2024-25 school year will beginning for area schools with some starting this week and the remainder next week.

Whether a motorist, student or pedestrian, school zone safety is of utmost importance as the new school year starts.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) provides tips for being safe in school zones.

Tips for Driving in School Zones:

• Be aware that traffic patterns around school zones may have changed since last year.

• Stay alert and put your phone away. Using a handheld electronic device, while driving in an active school zone, is against the law.

• Stop and yield to people in crosswalks.

• 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 in the middle of the street.

• Keep an eye on children gathered bus at stops.

• Watch for children who might dart across the street or between vehicles.

• Know the laws regarding school buses. Drivers who illegally pass a school bus face fines up to $1,250 for the first offense.

Tips for Children Walking or Biking to School:

• Use sidewalks. If there is not one, it’s best to walk on the left side of the street facing traffic.

• Cross the street only at intersections or marked crosswalks. Look left, right and left again before proceeding.

• Always obey crossing guards.

• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. Never assume a driver sees you.

• Look for traffic when stepping off a bus or from behind parked vehicles.

• Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or scooter.

• Don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.

• Follow all traffic rules, signs and signals.

Be safe and have a great school year.