Keep Our East Texas Kids Safe, Follow School Bus Traffic Laws

The majority of school districts across Deep East Texas have started classes for the 2026-27 school year. That means more vehicles on the roads in Angelina, Nacogdoches, and surrounding counties. Many of those vehicles will be school buses, which leads me to my number one driving pet peeve...people who drive right through a bus that has stopped to pick up or drop off children.

Two Main Reasons Why Drivers Illegally Pass School Buses

I believe there are a couple of primary reasons why people drive past a school bus that is clearly displaying its extended flashing stop sign, and keep in mind, this is not based on some scientific study, just my opinion.

Distracted Driving: Whether it's daydreaming, talking/texting on the phone, or taking a drink of that tasty iced coffee, that lack of focus can cause some drivers to miss seeing a stopped school bus until it's too late to safely brake.

Self-Centeredness: This is the person who believes their time is more important than anyone else's. Silly me, I always thought the Earth revolved around the sun. Somehow, these drivers believe that saving a few seconds is more important than potentially hitting kids walking off a bus.

READ MORE: The First Day of Classes For Over 50 East Texas School Districts

What Are The Rules Of Stopping For A School Bus?

When a school bus has stopped and is displaying alternating flashing red lights and/or an extended stop arm, drivers from BOTH directions must stop. Drivers approaching from the opposite direction do not stop ONLY if the highway is separated by a physical median or barrier, such as the grassy median on Highway 59 between Lufkin and Nacogdoches. A center turn lane does NOT count as a physical divider, so opposing traffic must still stop.

Illegally Passing A School Bus Carries Hefty Fines

Illegally driving past a school bus carries one of the largest fines for moving violations in Texas. First-time offenders can face fines from $500 to $1250, while second-time offenders could see fines of up to $2000, along with a 6-month driver's license suspension. The biggest deterrent shouldn't be the fines or suspensions; it's all about keeping our kids safe.