| School bells will soon be ringing across Texas, and that means thousands of children will once again be walking, biking, and riding to school. AAA Texas reminds drivers that one careless decision behind the wheel can change a family’s life forever. The annual return to school brings a sharp increase in pedestrian and bicycle traffic, particularly during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. Combined with distracted driving and speeding, it creates one of the most dangerous times of the year on Texas roadways. “Back-to-school isn’t just a milestone for families—it’s a reminder for every driver to slow down and stay focused,” said Doug Shupe, Communications Manager for AAA Texas. “Children can be unpredictable. They may dart into the street, step out from between parked cars, or be distracted while walking. We all have a responsibility to expect the unexpected and drive accordingly.” Afternoon Hours Are Especially Dangerous The hours between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. are among the deadliest times for child pedestrians. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly one-third of child pedestrian fatalities occur during those after-school hours when students are walking home, riding bikes, or playing outside. Last year in Texas: - 698 pedestrians were killed.
- 80 bicyclists lost their lives.
- Thousands more suffered serious injuries in traffic crashes.
Distraction and Speeding Continue to Cost Lives Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of preventable crashes. In Texas last year, 299 people were killed in crashes involving distracted driving and another 2,437 were seriously injured. Speeding only makes those crashes more severe. When children are involved, even a slight increase in speed dramatically raises the risk of death. A pedestrian struck at 25 mph is significantly more likely to survive than one struck at 35 mph. That difference can be the difference between a close call and a tragedy. AAA Texas Safety Reminders Drivers should: - Put the phone away and eliminate distractions.
- Slow down and obey all school zone speed limits.
- Be prepared for children to enter the roadway unexpectedly.
- Stop completely at stop signs and crosswalks.
- Watch carefully for crossing guards.
- Give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing.
- Never pass a stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights.
Parents should: - Walk school routes with younger children before the first day of school.
- Teach children to cross only at marked crosswalks and intersections.
- Encourage kids to remove headphones and put away phones before crossing the street.
- Teach kids to make eye contact with drivers before stepping into a crosswalk.
- Ensure bicycle helmets fit properly and are worn every ride.
A Shared Responsibility “Every child deserves to arrive at school safely and return home at the end of the day,” Shupe said. “The most important thing drivers can do is simple: slow down, stay alert, and put the phone away. Those few extra seconds could save a child’s life.” | 
