Yes, it’s that time of year again. Kids are headed back to school. They’re excited to be starting a brand-new year. Parents are exited to be back to their regular routines. As drivers who are sharing the road with parents, ISD employees, and the precious cargo in their charge, let’s make sure we do everything in our power to protect these students and their experiences of a fresh, new school year.
Kids are spontaneous. They’re unpredictable. They’re distractible. These traits are okay and even expected in children. But they are not okay in drivers! Here are some basic rules to follow to make sure you’re doing all you can to help keep the kiddos safe:
1. First, if you’re not taking children to school or driving them home, try to avoid school zones during peak times. Though that’s not always possible, anything you can do to lessen traffic congestion around schools at those times can help.
2. Second, if you are taking children to school, plan ahead. Allow extra time in the mornings to avoid rushing which can potentially lead you to make unsafe decisions.
3. Before leaving your home on school mornings, check for children—especially in blind spots. Put away anything that might distract you, back up slowly and carefully, and be prepared for the unpredictable.
4. As you drive, avoid eating and drinking, and never talk on the phone in school zones—especially in Texas where the minimum fine for being on your phone (even using Bluetooth) in a school zone is $200.
5. While driving, stay alert and scan for children. You should constantly be on the lookout for kids on school days—even before you get to school zones.
6. Slow down—even if you’re not driving through a clearly marked school zone—and be prepared to stop. If you are in a school zone, be aware that it is illegal to speed up and pass another car, even if you are driving below the speed limit.
7. Be cautious at crosswalks and always yield to pedestrians. Also, always follow the instructions of crossing guards. Never block the crosswalk thus forcing pedestrians to go around you. Don’t honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way. And never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
8. Be on the lookout for children biking to school. On most roads, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles, but bikes can be hard to see. The most common collision results from a driver turning left into a cyclist. When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist. A good rule of thumb when approaching an intersection with a bicyclist is to let the rider go through first.
9. Watch for school buses. If you are driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than you would if you were driving behind a car. If it stops to load or unload children, it is illegal to pass it. If the buses lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, you must stop. Be sure you’re far enough back to allow children to enter and exit safely. If you are on the other side of a divided highway from the bus, you do not need to stop but still be aware that children may cross over to your side of the highway.
10. If you are dropping off or picking up students, respect school parking rules. Do not double park or block crosswalks. Use your turn signals to communicate with other drivers. Follow the school’s designated traffic patterns. Don’t drop children off across the street from the school.
11. Above all, be patient, calm, and courteous when driving around school buildings now that school is back in session.
Following these simple rules, staying focused and engaged as a driver, and remaining respectful can make all the difference in the world to our students in the D/FW Metroplex. And to all the we here at Accident & Injury Chiropractic wish you a great 2025-2026 school year!