Ahead of the 2025-26 academic year, AAA dishes out safety guidelines for navigating traffic during back-to-school rush hours
As the 2025-26 school year begins, safety is a top priority for students, parents, teachers, and motorists alike. Here are some key safety tips to ensure a safe return to school for everyone.
School Bus Safety
Drivers must be extra cautious near school buses and school zones, as children may unexpectedly step into the road. When school bus flashing red lights are active, Texas law requires vehicles to stop. Motorists should also give school buses plenty of room and not pass them on the right. It's essential to watch for children on bicycles around bus stops and never block crosswalks. Always obey crossing guards, and school buses are required to stop at railroad crossings.
Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrians should use crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals, cross only at designated areas, and wait for crossing guards if present. Pedestrians should practice being alert to traffic, avoiding distractions like electronic devices, and parents should talk to children about personal safety and situational awareness. Establish and practice safe walking routes to and from school, and pedestrians should be especially cautious in school zones with posted speed limits often reduced to 20 mph during school hours or when children are present.
Bicycle Safety
Bicyclists should always wear approved helmets to protect against head injuries, use bike lanes where available and obey all traffic signals and signs, be visible by wearing bright clothing and using lights or reflectors, and ride predictably. Parents should review safe biking routes and rules with children, emphasizing helmet use and obeying traffic laws.
General Driving Safety Around Schools
Drivers should drive cautiously at reduced speeds (commonly 20 mph) in school zones, especially during school hours or when children are present. Avoid distractions, do not block intersections or crosswalks, and adhere to all posted school zone signs and signals. Be patient in pickup and drop-off lines, as children’s behavior can be unpredictable.
These safety practices aim to enhance protection for children during back-to-school transportation by creating an environment of attentiveness, compliance with laws, and personal responsibility for all road users.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), all 50 states have a law that makes it illegal to pass a school bus with its red flashing lights on and its stop-arm extended. Unfortunately, red-light running has continued to be a problem, considered an aggressive driving behavior that is often accompanied by speeding. Lori Weaver Hawkins, public affairs manager for AAA Blue Grass, has stated that this time of year is particularly dangerous due to young, inexperienced drivers, school buses, commuters, parents doing drop-offs, and pedestrians and bicyclists sharing the road. AAA Blue Grass emphasizes the importance of everyone remaining vigilant, putting down their phones, and paying attention to help students get to and from school safely.
By following these safety tips, we can all work together to make the back-to-school season a safe and successful one for everyone.
- Motorists in Kentucky should be mindful of school buses, particularly in school zones, as children may unexpectedly step into the road, and they are required by law to stop when school bus flashing red lights are active.
- Pedestrian safety in school zones involves using crosswalks and obeying pedestrian signals, crossing only at designated areas, and practicing situational awareness by avoiding distractions like electronic devices.
- Bicyclists should adhere to traffic rules, use bike lanes where available, and wear approved helmets to ensure their safety as they navigate through school areas.
- General driving safety around schools includes driving cautiously at reduced speeds, adhering to all posted school zone signs, and remaining vigilant, especially during school hours when children are present.
