Back to school traffic

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign is offering tips as the new school year starts to keep students safe and drivers alert, reminding motorists to stay focused and drive safe in and around school zones and bus stops. This includes adhering to a new Texas law that requires drivers to stop and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

TxDOT offers these safety tips for drivers, parents and students: Be aware that traffic patterns around schools may have changed since the last school year. Stay alert and put your phone away. Always obey school zone speed limit signs. Drop off and pick up your children in your school’s designated areas, not 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.

Sharing the road with buses also means that motorists should be mindful of the student transport: Follow at a safe distance, keeping in mind that school buses make frequent stops. Always remain alert for children around buses and remember that they may not always look for vehicles before crossing the street. Stop for flashing red lights or a stop sign on a school bus, regardless of which direction you’re headed. Violations can lead to a fine of up to $1,250 for a first offense.

“Be Safe. Drive Smart.” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel to help end the streak of daily deaths. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways, according to TxDOT.