CEDAR CREEK LAKE–Schools are starting up again and law enforcement agencies and school districts are posting on social media, asking the public to be aware and drive cautiously. 
School buses are considered by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration to be the safest mode of transportation for students traveling to and from school. Since going to school shares the early morning with rush-hour traffic and parents and others traveling to work, driving children to and from school can be hazardous. Drop off areas are typically congested, and sometimes cumbersome for parents and students alike.
Bus safety features begin with the yellow color, easily recognizable and specific to school buses. Red lights draw attention to the stopping of the bus to load or unload passengers and make drivers aware. The bus has extra large mirrors and the extendable STOP arm makes drivers aware to stop for children.
Police departments such as Kemp PD make use of diagrams like the one at the right to warn drivers of traffic laws concerning buses. The penalties for ignoring these warnings can be steep, not only fines and tickets, but the possibility of injury or worse.
While at the bus stop, children must remember to stay at least five large steps away from the road and wait to board until the driver says so. When leaving the bus, students should make sure there is no oncoming traffic and wait for a signal from the bus driver before crossing busy streets. While on the bus, students should observe the rules and stay seated at all times. Keep the center aisle clear of backpacks. When choosing a backpack for their child, it should be ergonomically designed to enhance safety and comforts and be no more than five to 10 percent of the child’s body weight, advises the National Safety Council.
Some students may choose to walk or bike to school. Students must exercise extreme caution while biking or walking, sticking to sidewalks and cyclists should obey all the rules of the road. Parents should partner with the child to choose the best route and travel it together before school begins.
Motorists should pay close attention to the presence of children on the streets, watch closely for crossing guards and their directions and observe all posted school speed limits. Cell phone use is not permitted in school zones and texting and driving is never permissible on Texas roads.