As schools across our service area return from summer break, the roads we travel every day will look very different. Morning and afternoon traffic will pick up quickly, bus routes will be active again, and children will be walking, biking, and gathering near driveways and mailboxes. These changes happen fast, and they affect every driver on the road—whether you're commuting to the office or dropping off your kids at school.
Back‑to‑school safety matters because the risks are real. Children are unpredictable around roadways, school zones demand slower speeds, and buses make frequent stops with little warning.
A single moment of distraction or a few extra miles per hour can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy. Staying focused, slowing down, and giving yourself extra time protects not only you, but our families and community members.
As children head back to school, below are safe driving and operational tips:
- Slow down in all school zones - Speed limits are strictly enforced during drop‑off and pick‑up hours.
- Watch for buses loading and unloading - Remember that passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights is illegal and extremely dangerous.
- Expect heavier traffic on FM roads and neighborhood routes - Give yourself extra time for your commute
- Stay alert for students walking or biking near campuses and neighborhoods - Children can be unpredictable around roadways.
- Avoid distracted driving - Phones, radios, and in‑vehicle devices should never take your attention off the road.
Below are areas to watch out for as local ISDs open for the school year:
Bandera ISD (Bandera High, Bandera Middle, Alkek Elementary, Hill Country Elementary – Pipe Creek)
- Heavy congestion on Hwy 16, FM 173, FM 3240, and FM 1283 during drop‑off/pick‑up.
- Hill Country Elementary creates slowdowns along Pipe Creek corridors.
- High foot traffic near the high school/middle school complex—expect unpredictable crossings.
Medina ISD
- Increased bus stops along Hwy 16 through Medina.
- Narrow shoulders and limited sightlines require reduced speed and heightened awareness.
- High foot traffic near the high school/middle school complex—expect unpredictable crossings.
Lakehills / Northside ISD
- Northside ISD buses run deep into Lakehills neighborhoods.
- Early‑morning stops along FM 1283, Park Road 37, and residential roads.
- Low‑light visibility issues—watch for children near driveways and mailboxes.
Utopia ISD
- Bus routes along FM 187, FM 1050, and rural roads with limited shoulders.
- Expect slow‑moving buses on winding Hill Country routes with blind curves.
- Students often walk near the school and community center—use caution.
Leakey ISD
- Increased bus activity on US 83, RR 337, and RR 336.
- Steep grades and tight turns in Real County require longer stopping distances for BEC trucks.
- Watch for students near the town square and park areas.
Kerrville Rural (Tivy HS / Kerrville ISD)
- Rural bus routes extend along Hwy 16, Hwy 173, Harper Rd, and Medina Hwy.
- Expect congestion near Tivy HS and surrounding feeder roads.
- Afternoon traffic spikes as students travel to rural homes outside city limits.
Boerne Rural (Boerne ISD)
- Bus routes extend north and east of Boerne into Kendall County rural areas, including Hwy 46, FM 3351, and FM 474.
- High commuter traffic mixes with school traffic—anticipate sudden stops and lane changes.
- Increased pedestrian activity near Boerne HS and Middle School campuses.
Bandera Electric Cooperative is committed to not only employee safety, but safety for all community members throughout the service territory. Our crews operate large vehicle and equipment that require longer stopping distances and wider turns, which means staying alert is even more important this time of year.
Thank you for helping us ensure a safe start to the school year for all the families we serve.
Safety tips and resources provided by Tim Landes, CLCP, Safety & Loss Coordinator, BEC