DALLAS — As the school year kicks off across Texas, the roads are getting busier, and not just with commuters. 

Students are heading back to class, which means more children walking, biking, and boarding buses each morning and afternoon. To help everyone stay safe during this busy time, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is launching its “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign. The message is simple: slow down, stay alert and look out for kids.

Every year, school zones become high-traffic areas where kids are often in a hurry, distracted or too young to fully understand road safety. It’s also where drivers can easily become impatient or inattentive and the consequences can be tragic. Last year in Texas, there were 781 crashes in school zones and another 2,480 involving school buses. Many were caused by speeding or distracted driving. Some resulted in injuries, and sadly, some took lives.

To prevent those tragedies, TxDOT is reminding drivers to treat school zones and school buses with extra caution and to approach this time of year with a little more patience and courtesy. That includes keeping an eye out for flashing school zone lights, obeying speed limits and putting phones away. Not only is using a handheld device in a school zone dangerous, it’s also illegal.

Drivers are also reminded to yield to pedestrians and cyclists in crosswalks. Thanks to the Lisa Torry Smith Act, passed in 2021, drivers who seriously injure someone in a crosswalk can now face felony charges. And when it comes to dropping off or picking up kids, stick to the school’s designated areas, never stop in the middle of the street.

School buses require their own set of rules. TxDOT urges drivers to always stop when buses have their red lights flashing or stop signs extended. This applies in both directions unless you’re on the other side of a divided highway. It’s not just about safety, it’s the law, and violations can lead to fines up to $1,250 for a first offense.

The campaign also includes safety reminders for students walking or biking to school. Children should use sidewalks when available, cross only at marked intersections, and make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street. Crossing guards are there for a reason, and kids should always follow their instructions. Helmets are a must for anyone on a bike or scooter, and phones should stay tucked away until they’re safely off the road.

At its heart, the “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign is about more than traffic laws, it’s about protecting kids and creating safer communities. By driving with extra care and encouraging young students to do the same, we can help make sure everyone starts the school year on the right foot and gets home safely each day.