DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – As the 2017-2018 school year gets underway, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding both drivers and pedestrians that the return of students and teachers to school inevitably generates more traffic.
DPS is cautioning Texans to slow down in school zones, and be aware of children walking to and from school or waiting for buses. In a Press Release DPS said school buses make frequent stops and “Motorists who disregard the law and illegally pass stopped school buses put our schoolchildren in harm’s way – and that reckless and irresponsible behavior will not be tolerated by DPS.”
A Few Precautions You Can/Should Take:
- Slow Down, especially in school zones and residential areas
- Be aware that children may unexpectedly step into the street without checking for oncoming traffic
- School buses, by law, must stop at all railroad crossings
- Always STOP, when a school bus is stopped and operating a visual signal-either red flashing lights or a stop sign. And DO NOT proceed until the school bus resumes motion.
DPS: State law requires that drivers stop when a bus is stopped and operating a visual signal – the driver is signaled by the bus driver to proceed; or the visual signal is no longer activated. Approaching drivers do not have to stop for a school bus that is operating a visual signal if the roadway is separated by a physical barrier or an intervening space. (If a highway is divided only by a left-turning lane, the roadways are not considered separated, and drivers must stop for school buses.)
So What’s the Penalty for drivers who illegally pass school buses?
- A fine up to $1,250 for the first offense
- For 2+ Offenses: Your driver license could be suspended for up to 6 months
- A ticket for illegally passing a school bus cannot be dismissed through defensive driving
- Other criminal charges could apply if you cause serious bodily injury to another.
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