Texas DPS Highlights Nearly 3,300 School Zone, Bus Crashes Amid Back-to-School Safety Push

As the new school year begins across the U.S., officials are emphasizing road safety for students, parents, and drivers. School bus safety is a key focus, with reminders that children should remain seated and minimize disruptive behavior to prevent bus driver distractions, as noted by experienced drivers like Helena Stevenson Strang. Drivers are legally required to stop when school bus stop arms are extended or red lights are flashing, with enforcement measures including ticketing and fines to protect students crossing the street. Texas Department of Public Safety highlighted the serious risks, citing nearly 800 school zone crashes and 13 fatalities in 2024, urging drivers to remain vigilant around school zones and buses. Additionally, drivers are encouraged to slow down, give space to emergency vehicles, and consider alternate routes to reduce congestion and collision risks, following incidents such as the recent Highway 3 tractor-trailer collision in Lethbridge. Overall, the combined efforts stress the importance of cautious driving and communication at home to ensure student safety during school commutes.