School Zone Safety Tips and More Just in Time for Back to School

We are in back to school season.  I know the kids don't want the summer to end.  So as we are getting ready to head back to school we wanted to share some tips with you about school zone safety.  A yearly reminder never hurts.  Tracy Tellman with the Texas Department of Transportation dropped by the studios the other day to share some tips with us.

Tips for Driving in School Zones

• Put away your cell phone. Cell phone use is banned in active school zones, and violators face fines of up to $200 in school zones where signs are posted.
• Always obey school zone speed limit signs. Remember, traffic fines usually double in school zones.
• Drop off and pick up your children in your school’s designated areas, not the middle of the street.
• Keep an eye on children gathered at bus stops.
• Be alert for children who might dart across the street or between vehicles on their way to school.

Tips for Children Walking or Biking to School

• Always cross at intersections and designated crosswalks. Look left, right and then left again before proceeding.
• Look for traffic when stepping off a bus or from behind parked cars.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
• Always obey crossing guards.
• Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
• Tips for Sharing the Road with School Buses
• Always stop for flashing red lights on a school bus, regardless of which direction you’re headed.
• If you are on the other side of a divided highway, you do not have to stop for a bus with flashing red lights, but please still use caution as children are around.
• School buses stop at all railroad crossings, so be prepared to stop if you are behind a bus.
• Watch for children who might run across the street as they get on or off the bus.