Safety tips for drivers at the start of school

TxDOT also released the following safety tips for drivers in the traffic update:

• Put away your phones: Using a portable electronic device while driving in a busy school zone is illegal.
• Stop and yield the right of way to a pedestrian, bicyclist, or anyone else in a crosswalk. Seriously injuring someone who is lawfully in a crosswalk is now a federal crime punishable by prison time.
• Pay attention to speed limit signs in school zones, as higher fines apply there.
• Drop off and pick up your children at the designated areas of your school.
• Keep an eye on children at bus stops. Also watch for children near buses and remember that they may not always look for vehicles before crossing the road. Watch for children running across the road or between vehicles.
• Keep a safe distance from school buses as they stop frequently.
• Do not pass a school bus if you see flashing red lights or an extended stop sign on a school bus, regardless of which direction you are traveling, unless the bus is in the opposite lane of a divided highway. Continue to pass once the bus has moved, the flashing lights stop flashing, or the bus driver signals permission to pass.
• Allow enough time to reach your destination safely if this will affect your commute.

For the most current information on road conditions, visit www.drivetexas.org.