As summer fades and the scholastic rhythm beckons the youth back to their hallowed halls of learning, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has stepped forward with a timely reminder to exercise caution and stay vigilant with the new school year fast approaching. In a recent press release, DPS Director Steven McCraw implored Texans to "be proactive, stay alert and take every necessary step to ensure our children, parents, teachers and staff have a safe and productive school year."
Alongside the general summons to awareness, the DPS provided a concrete list of driving tips designed to protect the most vulnerable among us - the students. These pieces of advice range from giving extra room to students who may not be paying attention, to obeying speed limits in school zones, and knowing the intricacies of Texas law when it comes to school buses. A grave warning was included for those who might consider illegally passing a school bus, highlighting the steep fines that can reach up to $1,250 for a first offense, and the risk of driver's license suspension for multiple infractions, according to the DPS announcement.
But the DPS's guidance extends beyond the roads and into homes and schools, with safety tips that are a cocktail of common sense and proactive preparation. This includes ensuring that schools have updated emergency contact information and maintaining an open dialogue with children about emergency protocols. According to the release, keeping a current picture of your child on your phone and familiarizing oneself with the school’s security policies are vital steps in emergency preparedness. The guidance dovetails with the role of the iWatchTexas program, which is presented as an essential tool for reporting suspicious activities to help prevent terrorism and other criminal activities. Interested individuals are encouraged to download the free iWatchTexas mobile app before the school year begins.
DPS also underscores the value of the Texas School Safety Center as a robust resource for school safety data. This hub offers comprehensive support, from research to technical assistance, tailored for the state's schools. Important too is the Active Shooter Alert System, which, while not school-specific, acts as another layer of response if an active shooter situation unfolds in the vicinity of a school. These alerts aim to guide the community's response, whether it be to avoid the area or shelter in place. The DPS ensures the public knows that these alerts will be issued only when an incident meets strict criteria, ensuring the community is informed without unnecessary alarm.
For schools looking for direct engagement, the DPS Safety Education Service Lieutenants and Sergeants are at hand, skilled in public speaking, and ready to offer insight into various safety topics. Requests for these officers can be made through the DPS website for presentations on everything from drug use prevention to situational awareness. In closing, DPS’s message is clear: by utilizing all available resources, Texans can collaboratively foster an environment of safety and preparedness as another school year dawns on the Lone Star State.
