When the school year begins soon in many school districts across Texas, it will be more important than ever for all drivers to understand the importance of sharing the road and driving responsibly. Traffic patterns inevitably shift during back-to-school time due to large numbers of parents driving their children each morning and afternoon, and the increased number of kids walking or bicycling near and on the streets. This surge in young pedestrians and cyclists means heightened vigilance is a must to keep everyone safe. Whether navigating through bustling school zones or cautiously approaching school buses, every driver has a role in creating a safer environment for students returning to their daily routines.
What to Expect When Driving Near a School Zone
When you are driving near a school when school is back in session, you should expect:
- Busy school crossings: Expect to see school crossings appear along your route if you live near a school, including where a crosswalk is not normally located. You must always obey the signals and instructions of school crossing guards – who usually have bright vests and stop signs in hand – even if they halt you when you have a green light.
- Reduced speed limits: In school zones, the speed limit is usually reduced to 25 mph or slower when children are present. Even if you don’t see a student on the sidewalk, you should still be ready to slow down and stop because children may run into the road unexpectedly. Depending on where you live, you might be legally required to slow down in a school zone even when children are not present.
- Increased pedestrian activity during school hours: You can expect to see many more pedestrians and cyclists on the road during school hours, namely children walking or bicycling to and from school. The increase in the number of pedestrians tends to spike around 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when most school hours start and end, respectively.
Safe Driving Near Children Going to School
To prioritize safety when driving near children going to or from school, you should:
- Always yield to children at crosswalks: Slow down and be prepared to stop whenever you approach a crosswalk. Prioritize the safety of children by yielding to them as they cross the street.
- Never drive distracted: Avoid using mobile phones or engaging in any activity that takes your focus off the road. Keep your attention on your surroundings, especially during the morning and afternoon hours when children enter or exit the school in larger numbers.
- Give children on bicycles plenty of space: Maintain a safe distance from young bicyclists, as they may not fully understand traffic rules and can be unpredictable. Be cautious and patient, allowing them ample room to navigate safely.
- Be careful when opening your door: Always check for approaching cyclists – and even running children – before opening your car door. Look over your shoulder before swinging the door open.
Safe Driving Near a School Bus
When driving near a school bus, please always keep these tips in mind:
- Stop when the bus has its stop sign extended: Immediately come to a complete stop when a school bus extends its stop sign and activates flashing red lights, even if it is located across the street. Remain stopped until the stop sign is retracted and the bus resumes motion. Moving your vehicle while a school bus indicates that students are boarding or deboarding is not just illegal, it is also extremely dangerous for the children.
- Never pass a stopped school bus on either side: When a school bus has come to a stop, do not try to pass it on either side, even if it has not yet deployed its stop sign. Always wait patiently until the bus moves again before proceeding.
- Be aware of children running into the street: Stay alert for children who may unexpectedly run into the street after getting off the bus. Drive slowly and be prepared to stop quickly, as children might cross the road or emerge between parked cars.
Make Sharing the Road a Schooltime Priority
Make sharing the road a priority once school is back in session, so you can do your part in keeping children, parents, and school staff safe. With the return of students, traffic patterns become more complex and unpredictable, with increased pedestrian and cyclist activity around schools, but you can help keep traffic calm by practicing the above road-sharing practices and driving tips. Let’s all do our part to protect children from harm and foster a community-wide commitment to responsible driving behavior during the busy school year.
If you live in Texas and need legal counsel after an accident near a school or involving school children, Hilliard Law is here to provide professional representation and genuine moral support. We care about the people in our community and take heightened pride in representing children who were injured by the inexcusable mistakes of motorists. Let us fight for your family and a fair recovery by bringing your injury claim to our firm.
Call (361) 882-1612 to talk to our Texas trial lawyers during a free case consultation.