Back-to-School Driving Safety: What Every Driver Should Remember

The start of a new school year brings more buses, pedestrians, cyclists, and traffic to neighborhood roads. Drivers should expect slower travel times and stay especially alert near schools, crosswalks, and bus stops.

In 2024, Texas recorded 781 crashes in school zones, resulting in two deaths and 17 serious injuries. Speed and driver inattention were also leading factors in crashes involving school buses.

A few careful driving habits can help make the road safer for everyone.

Stop for School Buses

When a school bus displays flashing red lights or extends its stop sign, drivers must stop. In Texas, this generally applies to traffic traveling in both directions unless the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway.

Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing, the bus begins moving, or the driver signals that it is safe to continue.

School buses make frequent stops, so leave extra following distance and avoid trying to pass quickly. Children may enter the street without noticing an approaching vehicle.

Slow Down in School Zones

​School-zone speed limits are lower for a reason. Slower speeds give drivers more time to see a child, react to an unexpected movement, and bring the vehicle to a stop.

Pay attention to:

• Posted school-zone speed limits
• Flashing warning lights
• Crossing guards
• Busy pickup and drop-off areas
• Children walking or riding bicycles

School-zone hours and reduced limits may vary, so always follow the signs posted in the area.

Yield at Crosswalks

​Drivers should stop and yield to pedestrians who are in or entering a crosswalk. Stop far enough behind the crosswalk so pedestrians remain visible to other drivers.

Never block a crosswalk while waiting at a red light or in school traffic. Children can be difficult to see around parked cars, buses, or larger vehicles, so approach intersections carefully.

Put Away Distractions

A quick glance at a text, GPS screen, or notification can take your attention away at the exact moment a child enters the road.

Before driving, set your navigation and music, place your phone on Do Not Disturb, and keep anything you may need within easy reach. Avoid eating, reaching into the back seat, or turning around to talk to passengers while moving.

Near schools, your full attention should remain on the road.

Use Extra Care During Pickup and Drop-Off

School entrances can become congested quickly. Follow the school’s traffic pattern and avoid double parking, making sudden U-turns, or allowing children to exit the vehicle into moving traffic.

Be patient with buses, crossing guards, parents, and new student drivers. Saving a few minutes is never worth creating an unsafe situation.

Safe Driving Can Also Protect Your Insurance Record

​Speeding tickets, distracted-driving violations, and at-fault accidents may affect your driving record and insurance costs. More importantly, cautious driving can help prevent injuries and protect the children and families in your community.

As students return to school, remember:

Slow down. Stay alert. Put the phone away. Be ready to stop.

Taking a few extra seconds could make all the difference.