TxDOT reminds motorists to 'Be Safe. Drive Smart.' with back-to-school campaign

While some school districts have already started school, it starts for Corpus Christi ISD on Monday, Aug. 12.

As the new school year kicks off, TxDOT is asking motorists to stay alert and help children stay safe with the "Be Safe. Drive Smart." back-to-school campaign.

There were 748 crashes that occurred in Texas school zones in 2023, and there were 2,523 collisions involving school buses. Last year, 11 people were killed and 63 were seriously injured.

The last deathless day on Texas roadways was on Nov. 7, 2000.

School zones can be a bit chaotic, with children walking or biking to school, dashing between cars and hopping in and out of buses. The most common crash causes were preventable driver behaviors, including speeding, distracted driving and failure to yield the right of way.

TxDOT is urging drivers to be on the lookout for young pedestrians and cyclists and slow down, stay alert and follow all traffic laws to keep kids safe and avoid fines and tickets.

Tips for driving in school zones

• Be aware as traffic patterns around schools may have changed since 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.
• Stop and yield the right of way to a pedestrian, bicyclist or other vulnerable road user in a crosswalk. Injuring someone who is lawfully in a crosswalk is a state jail felony.
• Obey school zone speed limit signs, as 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 at bus stops.
• Watch for children who might dart across the street or between vehicles.

Tips for drivers sharing the road with school buses

• Follow school buses at a safe distance, and remember they make frequent stops.
• 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 roadway of a divided highway. Continue only once the bus has moved, the flashing lights stop flashing or the bus driver signals it's OK to pass.
• Stay alert for children around school buses and remember they may not always look both ways for hazards before crossing the street.
• Violations can lead to a fine of up to $1,250 for a first offense.

Tips for children walking, biking to school

• Always use sidewalks. If there's not one, walk on the left side of the street, facing traffic.
• Cross the street only at intersections or marked crosswalks.
• Always pay attention to crossing guards and obey their instructions.
• 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.
• Stay free from distractions and put up any phone or electronic device to keep your eyes and ears on the road.
• Follow all traffic rules, signs and signals.

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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or X @johnpoliva .

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: TxDOT reminds motorists to 'Be Safe. Drive Smart.' with back-to-school campaign