The first day of school is just days away for Lockhart ISD students. That means traffic is about to pick up again, especially in school zones.

Although the amount of traffic decreased last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports 400 vehicle crashes in school zones that resulted in 11 serious injuries statewide.

 Here are a few safety tips from TxDOT for both drivers and students walking or biking to school:

Tips for Driving in School Zones

• Be aware that traffic patterns around school zones may have changed since the last school year.
• Stay alert and put your cell phone away. Using a handheld electronic device while driving in an active school zone is against the law.
• Always obey school zone speed limit signs. Remember, traffic fines increase in school zones.
• Drop off and pick up your children in your school’s designated areas, not the middle of the street.
• Keep an eye on children gathered at bus stops.
• Watch for children who might dart across the street or between vehicles.
• As always, stay away from alcohol and other drugs that may impair driving. They affect your ability to remain alert, decision-making, reflexes, and reaction time.

Tips for Children Walking or Biking to School

• Always use sidewalks. If there’s not a sidewalk, walk on the left side of the street facing traffic.
• Cross the street at intersections or marked crosswalks. Look left, right and left again before proceeding.
• Always obey crossing guards.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. Never assume a driver sees you.
• Look for traffic when stepping off a bus or from behind parked cars.
• Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
• Don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.
• Follow all traffic rules, signs and signals.