The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging everyone to increase their safety awareness as the school year gets back into swing. Last year was a heck of a school year, and while there are still significant concerns related to the pandemic, there is also a lot of hopefulness and excitement riding on the 2021/2022 school year. With all the student activity out there, minding your safety P’s and Q’s behind the wheel is imperative – especially in and around school zones.
DPS Safety Tips
The DPS offers several safety tips that every motorist should take to heart behind the wheel.
Give Them Space
Allow students in your midst additional room on the road, and do not make the mistake of assuming they are paying attention to the road and to the traffic around them. Kids are excited to be getting back to school and socializing with their friends again and to make matters worse, they are often distracted by their smartphones.
Obey School Crossing Guards
When a school crossing guard is present, pay careful attention to the directions he or she gives you. If you are not sure what to do, wait for further instructions. Do not proceed until you are certain it is safe to do so.
Follow the Rules
Obey the rules of the road and pay special attention to the following:
Do not block the crosswalk when you stop for a stop sign or traffic light.
Keep your speed within the speed limit, and reduce your speed if children are present.
Put down your phone (texting behind the wheel is illegal in Texas). (Related: Texting: It Can Wait)
Be on the Lookout for Kids on Bikes
Be on the lookout for children who are riding their bikes. They can fly into traffic seemingly out of nowhere, and because children on their bikes tend to come into closer contact with traffic, they are exceptionally vulnerable to serious injuries.
Related: Biking Safely on Texas Roads This Year
Know the School Bus Laws
Drivers are held to more careful safety standards when a school bus is present. Consider the following:
When you spot a school bus, you should reduce your speed (children may step into traffic unexpectedly without paying attention to the traffic all around).
Pay attention at railroad crossings – school buses are required by law to stop.
If a school bus’s flashing red lights are visible from either the front or rear, you must stop before you reach the bus, and you must remain stopped until the light is turned off or the bus driver motions you to proceed.
Related: Back to School and School Bus Safety
Turn to an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney for the Legal Guidance You Need
If another driver’s negligence leaves your child injured, Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard – proudly serving Killeen, Texas – is a compassionate pedestrian accident attorney who is well prepared to pour his considerable experience into skillfully fighting for your case’s best possible resolution – and your child’s fullest recovery. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 today.
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