As Texas students return to school, the Texas Department of Public Safety has released safety tips for parents and drivers to help keep children safe while walking or biking. Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee said, "As the new school year begins, we’re asking every driver to slow down, stay alert and be patient— especially in school zones and car lines for pickup." The guidelines focus on careful driving and awareness around school areas, according to KTSA.
The Texas Department of Public Safety advises drivers not to block crosswalks, to follow the instructions of school crossing guards, and to watch carefully for children near traffic. Drivers must also stop for school buses with flashing red lights or face fines. “Children can be unpredictable and it’s our responsibility to keep them safe," Rippee told KTSM. Texas Department of Public Safety also recommends that families keep updated school contact information, have current child ID photos on their phones, and know the school’s safety procedures to be prepared for emergencies or severe weather.
The Texas Department of Public Safety promotes the iWatchTexas program, which allows people to report suspicious activity in schools and the community. Texas Department of Public Safety encourages downloading the program before the school year starts to help prevent incidents. “The Texas School Safety Center is another useful tool for school security,” DPS said through KTSA. Students, teachers, and law enforcement work together to support school safety.
