Back-to-school season is upon us and with that comes new dangers of operating on the road. Roads will be busy again in the mornings and afternoons as kids are picked up and dropped off at school. With this shift happening again, the Texas Department of Transportation has issued a statement calling on drivers to be extra attentive in the next coming weeks. Even though back-to-school season happens every year and there are only a couple of months in between school years, drivers often seem to forget how to manage being on the road with school goers.
The Texas Department of Transportation released stats showing the crash and death rates that occurred related to school driving.
In 2024, 11 people died due to accidents that involved school buses. Two other deaths were reported as school zone car crashes. While these numbers may seem low, they are deaths that could have easily been avoided by safer driving. Furthermore, around 780 car accidents were reported to have occurred in school zones last year. A shocking 2,480 accidents occurred in which a school bus was involved.
With back-to-school season here, accidents have already begun.
Already as schools have been going back in session, cities around the country have reported school zone accidents and accidents involving a school bus. Earlier this week, a Cleveland ISD school bus flipped over. 59 students were in the vehicle, and many had to be taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries. Incidents like these are what raises the TxDOT’s concerns. The department have published a list of tips to ensure you practice safe driving as we adjust to the school schedule once again.
Be Aware of School Zones
More than just parents drive through school zones throughout the day. Even when driving through school zones outside of pick up and drop off times, you should exercise caution. Kids can still be active around the school grounds, and it is important to always be attentive in a school zone. Furthermore, be sure to follow the school zone speed limit signs. Driving slowly and carefully is key in these sensitive road areas.
Be Aware of Buses
This is a good rule of thumb in general, as buses are around during more than just the school year. Buses are big and take up lots of space on the road but require even more than just their size. Give buses plenty of room on all sides of the road. Also, remember not to pass a school bus when they have flashing red lights or are stopped at an extended stop sign. The exception to the bus passing rule is when you drive on a divided highway. In those instances, you are welcome to pass school buses.
