Most public schools in Denton County, Dallas, and throughout North Texas kicked off the new school year last week on Tuesday, August 12th. Kids are trading in their summer routines for early mornings again, while parents and guardians jump back into their usual drop-off and after-school schedules.
For drivers across the North Texas community, this means it’s time to stay cautious and remember road safety tips. At Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys, we have seen firsthand how a few seconds of inattention can change Texans’ lives.
If you or your child were injured in a car accident or struck as a pedestrian, contact our top-rated school injury attorneys today at Chandler Ross at (940) 800-2500 for a free case review.
Keeping Kids Safe: What Drivers in Denton and Dallas Need to Know
Have you ever noticed how busy school zones become right before the bell rings? Children are everywhere. Walking, biking, or hopping out of cars to run and catch up with classmates. As local drivers, it’s our responsibility to be extra vigilant during these busy morning and afternoon times.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, pedestrian crashes involving children spike in the hours just before and after school. With smaller statures and unpredictable behavior, kids can dart into the road without warning and are harder to see.
Critical things to remember when navigating a Dallas school zone area
- Always reduce your speed in school zones, even if you’re running late. Texas law mandates a reduced speed limit in these zones, often posted at 20 mph or less.
This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s designed to give you more reaction time if a child steps onto the road. For a list of school zones, check out the Dallas City Code, Section 28-50.
- Slow down for speed humps, crossing guards, and marked crosswalks. Kids don’t always use crosswalks, so scan both sides of the street.
Some neighborhoods have designated humps in the road to help slow down drivers. Even with these in place, drivers can still easily exceed 20 mph.
According to Saferoutesinfo.org, school zones are generally a half mile to a mile out walking boundary for elementary schools, while middle and high schools may be a bit further in distance.
If your child was injured in a school zone accident in Dallas, Denton County, or North Texas, call Chandler Ross at (940) 800-2500 for a free case review.
- Distractions such as texting or using your phone are another big danger. Sending a text or checking your email is not worth the life of a child. While Texas law prohibits texting while driving, any distraction can lead to tragedy, especially around populated elementary, middle, or high school zones. If you must use your phone, pull over and stop to save a life.
- Remember, each school zone is different per school. To find your school’s “school zone” perimeter, check out the Dallas Independent School District’s maps. Some popular school zones include:
Lakewood Elementary (Pre-K to 5th Grade)
Central Elementary School (Pre-K to 5th Grade)
Imagine your own child or a loved one walking to school. How would you want other drivers to behave? If you were on your way to drop off or pick up your child or another parent’s child at school, you have legal rights when involved in a school zone car accident. Contact our school car accident attorneys today at (940) 800-2500.
Please feel free to fill out our online form to share basic details of your school car accident.
Texas School Bus Laws for Dallas and Denton Drivers
Have you ever been behind a yellow school bus? There are particular rules that all Texans should be aware of. School buses are a reliable mode of transportation for many North Texas students, and Texas has strict laws to keep kids safe as they get on and off.
According to Texas Transportation Code § 545.066, drivers must stop for school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign, regardless of whether they’re behind the bus or approaching from the opposite direction, unless separated by a physical median.
Common dangers associated with school buses and passenger cars are:
- Children frequently cross the street after exiting a bus, sometimes appearing in blind spots or between parked cars.
- A moment’s delay in stopping could have disastrous results, causing a serious injury or sometimes wrongful death of a child.
- Failing to stop for a school bus can lead to hefty fines, up to $1,250 for a first offense, and even more severe penalties if an injury occurs.
- On divided highways with medians, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus are required to stop. Still, erring on the side of caution is always a good idea; you never know when a child might cross unexpectedly.
Bus routes for students attending William B. Travis Academy/Vanguard can be found here. For all other schools, check the Dallas ISD site for more information.
If you’re impatient and running late, remember that the safety of our community comes first. Those few extra minutes waiting for a child to unboard a bus or cross a street can make all the difference in preventing a tragedy.
Teenage Drivers and Texas Car Occupancy Laws
As the new school year starts, teenage drivers who have recently passed their permit or driving test are also on the road.
Texas has specific rules about the number of passengers a teen driver can have in their vehicle. These laws are designed to minimize distractions and reduce crash risks among new drivers:
- Under Texas’ Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, drivers under 18 with a provisional license cannot carry more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member during the first 12 months of licensure.
- This rule exists because studies show that the risk of car accidents for teen drivers increases with every additional peer in the car. With friends laughing, music playing, and phones buzzing, it’s easy to lose focus on the road.
- Additionally, Texas law prohibits all cell phone usage, including hands-free devices, for drivers under 18.
- If your child just got their license, remind them of these rules and the reasons behind them. It’s not just about avoiding a ticket; it’s about keeping themselves and their friends safe.
Parents, lead by example. Buckle up every time, insist that your teen and their passengers do the same, and have honest conversations about the risks of distracted and reckless driving. When everyone works together, we create safer streets for all North Texas-based families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I see a child attempting to cross the street outside a designated crosswalk near a school?
Always slow down, remain vigilant, and yield to the child. Texas law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, especially in school zones. Children may not always make predictable choices, so your caution could save a life.
My teen just got their license. Can they use Bluetooth or hands-free devices while driving?
No. Texas law prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using any type of wireless communication device while driving, including hands-free options. Encourage your teen to keep their focus on the road and avoid all distractions.
What should I do if my child is injured by a negligent driver while walking to or from school in Denton?
If your child is injured by a negligent driver, your first priority is to seek immediate medical attention. Once your child’s health has been addressed, document the scene if possible, take photos, gather witness contact information, and keep all medical records related to the injury. Be sure to contact local law enforcement to file an official accident report. Then, call Chandler Ross and talk to a top-rated personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your child’s rights. Texas law allows you to pursue compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the accident. Acting quickly ensures crucial evidence is preserved and helps protect your child’s best interests.
