AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF) – In conjunction with National School Bus Safety Week, the Texas Department of Public Safety is urging Texans to comply with laws prohibiting drivers from passing stopped school buses.
DPS Troopers across the state will be riding and/or following school buses October 22-26 to ensure that drivers are obeying school bus laws.
“DPS urges all motorists to make the safety of our schoolchildren a top priority year round, and to practice safe driving habits when traveling near school buses, in school zones and wherever children are present,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Drivers who disregard the law needlessly put children in danger, and that type of reckless behavior will not be tolerated by law enforcement.”
According to the Texas Education Agency, more than 43,000 school buses transport approximately 1.6 million Texas children every school day.
“A strong public education system starts with assuring our students safely travel to and from school,” said Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath. “The Texas Education Agency joins with the Texas Department of Public Safety, local law enforcement and staff members at public schools across our state in this shared commitment to keep our students safe during National School Bus Safety Week and throughout the school year.”
According to DPS, in 2017 and year-to-date in 2018, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers have issued 1,394 citations and 685 warnings for passing a stopped school bus.
According to Texas statute, a driver must stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped and operating a visual signal.
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