Many are returning to the routine of back-to-school; it is the start of a new school year, and not only those who are in the classroom must stay aware of safety, but also those who drive through school zones.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), traffic accidents in Texas school zones rose by 12% between 2024 and 2025.

Therefore, as children in the state return to classes this month, this agency reminds drivers to slow down and stay alert near schools to help prevent accidents and save lives.

This means paying special attention in school zones, as these areas can be chaotic places, with hurried people and children who are not always attentive to vehicles when boarding and alighting buses or entering and exiting cars. Drivers may become impatient or distracted, leading to mistakes.

Last year, Texas school zones recorded 877 traffic crashes. There were also 2,358 collisions involving school buses. Distracted driving and speeding were the most common contributing factors in these crashes.

To help keep children safe, TxDOT urges drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, and obey traffic laws.

The back-to-school campaign “Be Safe. Drive Smart” also shows how parents and guardians can help by teaching their children how to stay safe when walking or biking to school.

The Lisa Torry Smith Act of 2021 protects people in crosswalks and tightens penalties for violations. Causing serious injuries to a person legally in a crosswalk now constitutes a felony punishable by state prison.

Tips for Driving in School Zones

• Be attentive to the flashing lights in school zones in the morning and afternoon, and respect the posted speed limits for these areas. Traffic fines are higher in school zones.
• Stay alert and keep the phone out of reach. Using a handheld electronic device while driving in an active school zone is illegal.
• Stop and yield to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users at crosswalks.
• Drop off and pick up your children in designated school zones, not in the middle of the street.
• Be attentive to children gathered at bus stops.
• Be careful with children who may run into the street or emerge from between vehicles.

Sharing the Road with School Buses

• Maintain a safe distance when following school buses. Remember that they make frequent stops.
• Stop for school buses. Do not pass a school bus if you see flashing red lights or an extended stop arm deployed, regardless of the direction you are traveling, unless the bus is on the other side of a divided highway.
• resume driving once the bus has moved, the lights stop flashing, or the driver indicates it is safe to pass.
• Violations can carry fines of up to $1,250 for the first offense.

Children Walking or Riding Bicycles to School

• Use sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, 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 crossing signal and look left, right, and then left again before crossing.
• Pay close attention to school crossing guards and follow their instructions.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. Never assume a driver has seen you.
• Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or a scooter.
• Stay alert. Phones and other devices distract and can take your eyes and attention off the road.