A crucial point to remember is to reduce your driving speed and remain attentive to school zones as Wednesday marks the commencement of a fresh academic year for students in Corpus Christi ISD and Flour Bluff ISD. Likewise, Taft ISD and Ricardo ISD will also inaugurate their classes on the same day. Please allocate a few more minutes to ensure you reach your destination safely and on time.
In Texas, it’s a legal requirement to come to a halt for school buses. Motorists must stop when a school bus extends its stop sign or activates its flashing red lights. When this occurs, drivers traveling in both directions must completely stop, encompassing all lanes. This rule is applicable whether you’re on a two-way street or a highway with a center turn lane.
However, the regulations differ if there’s a median. In such cases, only vehicles on the same side of the road as the bus need to stop, while those on the opposite side can continue driving.
If you violate these laws in Texas, you could face a fine of up to $1,250. Unlike many other traffic violations, this fine cannot be waived through defensive driving classes.
Ensure you reduce your speed, remain vigilant for children crossing the street, and maintain awareness of your surroundings. And, as always, please don’t use your cell phone while driving.