According to KRIS-TV, Texas State Troopers will be joining kids on their bus rides to school during National School Bus Safety Week in an effort to crack down on lawbreakers and to keep children safe.

Violators Could Face $1,250 Fine

For National School Bus Safety Week, drivers are reminded to obey the law in regards to passing school buses while the buses are picking up or dropping off children. According to KRIS-TV, more than 42,000 school buses transport roughly 1.5 million children every school day in Texas.

More children are hit by cars near schools than any other location. That’s why Texas State troopers are riding along with children on their school bus this week. Children are particularly vulnerable when entering or exiting a bus, so troopers will be keeping their eyes out for lawbreakers near these bus stops.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) says they will not tolerate individuals who would put their convenience before the safety of children. Violators could be given fines up to $1,250.

KRIS-TV reports that the Texas Highway Patrol has handed out over a thousand tickets for passing a stopped school bus over the past year. The Texas Department of Transportation says failure to stop for a bus contributed to 45 traffic crashes in Texas last year.

Measures to Keep Children Safe

The following tips for keeping children safe are provided by KRIS-TV:

• Watch out for students when driving in school zones.
• Slow down and watch for children near bus stops.
• Look for children who might dart into the street without looking.
• Know and obey the laws regarding stopping for school buses.