Watch Out for School Children, Stop for School Buses

Up to 21,000 Spring Branch ISD children and teenagers will depend on bright, yellow school buses beginning on Monday, Aug. 22, to get them safely to and from schools each day. They also depend on many of you – motorists – to know and follow state law and drive safely near SBISD buses and schools.

Texas School Bus Law

• Always stop for flashing red lights on a school bus regardless of which direction you are headed.
• Proceed only after a stopped bus has moved, the flashing lights stop flashing, or the bus driver is signaling that it’s OK to pass the bus.
• Drivers don’t have to stop for an oncoming school bus if located on a road or highway divided by an intervening space or physical barrier – a divided road or highway.
• Violations of school zone rules will result in significant and costly fines – up to $1,000.
• A driver convicted of not stopping in a school zone more than once may have a license suspended for up to six months.

Safety Tips for Motorists

• Obey the posted speed limit in SBISD school zones, which is 20 mph.
• Slow down and pay attention to pedestrian and bus traffic in school zones.
• Don’t text or use cell phones in posted school zones.
• Fines double in school zones for traffic violations.
• Keep a watchful eye on children gathered at bus stops or near the street. Monitor your surroundings.
• Be alert for children who may suddenly enter the roadway due to an approaching, a stopped or a departing bus.

Student Tips
Respect the school bus driver and follow these rules:

• Stand back away from the street or curb when you are waiting for the bus.
• Remain seated and still so that the bus driver can pay attention to the road and traffic.
• Remember to look both ways if you have to cross the street after getting off the bus, or wait for your driver to signal you that it’s safe to cross the street.