While kids and families are gathering school supplies, Texas drivers should be gearing up for the return of school-related traffic. That means paying extra attention in school zones and always driving like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe.
Crashes rising in Texas school zones
School zones can be chaotic places, with people in a rush and children not always watching for cars while they hop on and off buses or in and out of cars. Drivers can become impatient or distracted, which leads to mistakes.
In 2025, there were 877 traffic crashes in Texas school zones, a 12% increase from the previous year. Also last year, 2,358 collisions involved school buses. Distracted driving and speeding were the most common contributing factors in these crashes.
To help keep kids safe, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is urging drivers to slow down, avoid distractions and follow the rules of the road during its “Be Safe. Drive Smart” Back to School campaign. Parents and guardians can also help teach their kids about ways to stay safe when walking or biking to school.
Tips for driving in school zones
Look for flashing school zone lights in the morning and afternoon and obey school zone speed limits. Traffic fines increase in school zones.
Stay alert and put your phone out of reach. Using a handheld electronic device while driving in an active school zone is against the law.
Stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users in crosswalks. The Lisa Torry Smith Act of 2021 protects people in crosswalks and enhanced the penalties for failing to follow the law. Seriously injuring someone who is lawfully in a crosswalk is now a state jail felony.
“Be Safe. Drive Smart” is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie, and responsibility of being a Texan on the road.
By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com