School Safety of Texas Students
Protecting the lives of Texas students on their way to and from school means obeying traffic laws. Motorists know they must stop when a school bus’ red lights are flashing and the stop sign is displayed; however, they may not be aware that they must stop whether they are behind the bus or approaching it from the opposite direction.
Failure to stop could result in a fine of up to $1,000. If a driver is convicted of this offense more than one time, the Texas Department of Public Safety may suspend the driver’s license for six months.
A driver does not have to stop for a school bus if it is on a highway with lanes separated by a median or some other physical barrier between lanes. Drivers may continue their trip once the bus has moved, the lights have stopped flashing or the driver signals it is all right to pass.
According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, one-third of pedestrians killed in school bus related accidents occur within a 10-foot area surrounding the school bus.
In addition to traffic laws regarding school buses, other laws protect pedestrians. All pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks, and a driver is held liable if he or she injures a pedestrian who is crossing the street legally.
Motorists should remember that fines double in school zones and may vary from city to city, depending on the driver’s speed. In Austin, for example, the standard fine starts at $204 for five miles over the speed limit.
In 2009, the 81st Legislature took yet another step to protect Texas students by passing House Bill 55, making it a criminal offense to use a handheld wireless communication device within an active school zone. This includes, but is not limited to, talking on a handheld cell phone or texting.
Currently, for this law to apply, a sign prohibiting the use of a cell phone must be posted at the start of the school zone, if a city chooses to enforce the law, which most cities do.
In previous legislative sessions, I have filed bills limiting the use of cell phones while driving to those with a handheld device. I plan to refile the bill when the Texas Legislature convenes next year.
While traffic laws help protect Texas school children, parents should also educate their children about how to walk to school safely and how to behave on a school bus. For example, children should always walk on a sidewalk, obey crossing guards, and if there is no sidewalk, children should walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic. They also should be aware of traffic when exiting a school bus, and younger children should not be left alone while waiting for the school bus.
Guarding the safety of children has always been, and will continue to be, a legislative priority in Texas.
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