The Texas Department of Public Safety used National School Bus Safety Week, October 19–23, to remind drivers of their duty to stop for children boarding and leaving school buses. The rules apply throughout the school year, including on San Elizario’s daily routes.
When a stopped bus displays flashing red lights or an extended stop arm, drivers must stop as required by law and remain stopped until the bus moves, the red lights stop flashing or the stop arm is withdrawn, the agency said.
DPS cited Texas Transportation Code Section 545.066 in explaining the rule for opposing traffic. When a concrete barrier or grassy median does not separate traffic moving in opposite directions, drivers in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus displaying the required warnings.
When opposing traffic is separated by a concrete barrier or grassy median, the stop requirement applies to drivers on the same side as the bus. Drivers should assess the actual roadway layout, rather than assume that a painted line provides the separation described by DPS.
The agency also urged drivers to obey school-zone speed limits, put away mobile devices and anticipate children near bus stops. A child may be difficult to see when crossing in front of or behind another vehicle.
Families can reinforce those precautions by discussing where children should wait, staying alert near traffic and following the bus driver’s instructions. The DPS reminder links the state traffic rule with practical steps for adults sharing the road with a school bus.
