The Top Two Causes of School Zone Crashes

Published on September 05, 2025

Family walking together on the street with kids on bikes

It's a busy morning. You're rushing to get the kids dressed, fed, and out the door to the bus stop before heading to work. As they run off, you call out, "Be safe!" before jumping into your own car.

On the way, you hit a school zone. The flashing 20 mph sign reminds you to slow down — but you're running late. You push through, going a little too fast. Suddenly, a child on a bike turns the corner. You slam the brakes. A close call.

Now imagine it was your child riding that bike. Would you drive differently?

And really — how much time do you gain by speeding in a school zone? Ten seconds? Maybe less. But those few seconds could cost a life. That's why school zone speed limits matter. Studies show one out of four pedestrians struck at 32 mph are killed. However, 90% of pedestrians survive if struck at 20 mph or less.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the top causes of school zone crashes in 2024 were driver inattention and speeding. With students, parents, and bus drivers all adjusting to new routines, now is the time to slow down, be patient, and stay alert.

Here in San Antonio, the City's Transportation Department is piloting a new Safe Routes to School program. This initiative partners with schools to encourage walking and biking, while teaching students the skills they need to stay safe around traffic.

Back-to-School Safety Tips

For Drivers in School Zones

Come to a complete stop: Over one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones. Always stop fully and check for kids on sidewalks and crosswalks.
Eliminate distractions: Looking away for just two seconds doubles your crash risk. Kids move fast — often appearing suddenly between cars.
Watch for bikes: Children on bicycles may be wobbly or unpredictable. Slow down and leave at least 3 feet when passing.

For Students Walking or Biking

Use sidewalks: If none are available, walk facing traffic.
Cross safely: Always cross at intersections or crosswalks, looking left, right, and left again.
Follow crossing guards: Their instructions are for your protection.
Make eye contact: Don’t assume drivers see you.
Stay alert: Put away phones and headphones near streets.

How Your School District Ranks

Learn how safe your community is for kids walking and biking to school. Check out the Texas A&M Transportation Institute's Youth Transportation Safety dashboard for crash data by county or school district.