As students across Texas prepare to return to classrooms, state transportation and law enforcement officials are reminding drivers, parents, and communities to take extra precautions around schools, buses, and neighborhood streets.
The annual back-to-school transition brings increased traffic near campuses, more school buses on roadways, and more children walking and biking near streets.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) are urging Texans to slow down, remain alert, and follow safety rules as school schedules resume.
Drivers Reminded to Slow Down in School Zones
TxDOT’s back-to-school safety guidance encourages motorists to watch for flashing school-zone lights, obey posted speed limits, avoid distractions, and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
The agency also reminds drivers that school traffic patterns often change during drop-off and pickup times. Motorists should use designated areas when dropping off or picking up students and remain aware of children near bus stops and parked vehicles.
TxDOT specifically warns drivers against cellphone use in active school zones. Under Texas law, using a handheld electronic device while driving in a school zone is prohibited.
School Bus Safety Remains a Priority
With thousands of school buses returning to Texas roads, officials are reminding drivers to follow school bus laws and watch for children entering and exiting buses.
TxDOT advises motorists to stop when school buses display flashing red lights and extend stop signs, except in situations where opposing traffic is separated by a physical barrier or divided highway.
The agency also reminds drivers that children may move unpredictably near bus stops, making it important to slow down and remain attentive.
DPS Encourages Families to Review Safety Plans
The Texas Department of Public Safety encourages families to discuss safety expectations before the school year begins.
DPS recommends that parents review school drop-off and pickup procedures, talk with children about personal safety, and make sure emergency contact information is current. The agency also reminds drivers to use caution in school zones and around school buses.
In previous back-to-school safety reminders, DPS officials have emphasized that drivers, parents, and students all play a role in preventing crashes and injuries near schools.
National Night Out Brings Neighborhoods Together
Along with school safety efforts, communities across Texas are preparing for National Night Out, an annual event focused on strengthening relationships between residents and law enforcement.
National Night Out is organized nationally by the National Association of Town Watch and is designed to encourage neighborhood involvement, crime prevention awareness, and partnerships between residents and public safety agencies.
Although National Night Out is held nationally on the first Tuesday in August, Texas communities traditionally observe the event on the first Tuesday in October because of summer heat concerns.
This year, many Texas communities will hold National Night Out events on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
DFW Communities Plan National Night Out Events
Several North Texas cities have announced plans for October events focused on neighborhood engagement.
The Dallas Police Department includes National Night Out among its community policing programs. According to DPD, the event is celebrated citywide on the first Tuesday in October and is part of the department’s broader community engagement efforts. Residents can find additional community programs and outreach opportunities through the Dallas Police Department’s Office of Community Affairs.
The Fort Worth Police Department states that Fort Worth’s National Night Out celebration will take place Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The department encourages residents to participate in neighborhood gatherings and community events.
The Grand Prairie Police Department has scheduled its National Night Out event for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The department says residents can participate through neighborhood block parties and opportunities to meet police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and city officials.
The Flower Mound Police Department is also planning National Night Out activities for October 6, 2026, including neighborhood block parties from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Registered events may receive visits from local public safety personnel and town officials.
Other North Texas communities, including McKinney, Denton, Grapevine, Cedar Hill, and Mansfield, have also listed October 6, 2026, as their National Night Out date.
Officials Encourage Community Awareness
As the school year begins, officials say safety depends on awareness from drivers, families, students, and neighborhoods.
From watching for children near crosswalks to participating in community events that connect residents with law enforcement, agencies are encouraging Texans to remain engaged throughout the school year.
Provided by Dallas Express
