August 18, 2026
Many Houston drivers know the risks of driving in the fall back-to-school season. As classes are back in session, traffic patterns can change.
Parents know it’s time to adjust their schedules again as school is back in session. Even if you are driving safely to your child’s school and abiding by the school-zone speed limit of 20 mph, a car accident can occur and leave you with serious injuries. If this happens, it’s time to seek medical treatment as soon as possible and to call a personal injury attorney. The team at Gustin Law Firm is here to help.
Driving Risks and Statistics in Texas
As parents return to their children’s school routines of pickups and drop-offs at schools, daycares, and extracurricular activities, it’s important to remain vigilant on dangerous roadways and school zones.
- Fatal crashes on Texas roads are most frequent during the summer months (June through August), with elevated crash rates throughout spring and fall compared to winter.
- Rates stayed high through the summer months of June, July, and August. In June, July, and August 2024, total non-fatal crash numbers topped over 40,000 for each month in Texas; a combined total of over 130,000 non-fatal crashes.
- In 2024, October was the deadliest month in Texas with 391 traffic deaths, and March was second for the deadliest with 335 fatalities, according to TxDOT.
- According to TxDOT’s 2024 holiday period crash data, the Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends combined recorded more total fatalities (159) than the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s periods combined (88) in Texas, though TxDOT tracks these periods over different lengths of time, so per-day fatality rates may differ.
The Fourth of July had the highest death toll, with 64 deaths in 54 total crashes. Transitioning back to driving your kids to school and to work can be challenging for anyone, which is why staying alert, reporting any accident to law enforcement, seeking medical attention quickly, and working with an attorney can be the next best steps.
*Disclaimer: This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Reading this blog does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
What to Expect as Elementary, Middle, and High School Year Starts Again
As the fall season starts again, overall driving should focus on safety as kids head to school.
- Slow down. Kids head outside to play in the summer. They may be on or near roads, walking or riding bicycles. By slowing down, you reduce the chances of a collision. You also give yourself more time to react if another driver acts dangerously.
- Stay alert. Distracted driving causes hundreds of deaths on Texas roads each year. Even a two-second distraction can double your risk of a crash. When you avoid distraction, you help protect yourself and others.
- Back up slowly. Watch out for people, bicycles, and pets in driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots. Use all your mirrors and your vehicle’s backup camera to help you.
- Be ready to stop at crosswalks. The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Drivers roll through crosswalks even in neighborhoods with lots of pedestrians. Always stop at marked crosswalks. Children, bicyclists, and pedestrians may dart into one.
- Prepare your car for the Texas heat and sun. Wear sunglasses. Keep your windshield clean to reduce glare. Put up a sunshade when you park your car. Make sure your vehicle maintenance is up to date. Check your tire pressure once a week to avoid blowouts caused by overheating. Pack plenty of water when you’re traveling. If a crash happens, you’ll be ready.
Children, families, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pets are all more commonly seen. When you stay alert to these changes, you can adjust to them more easily. You’ll help prevent accidents, and you’ll keep yourself and others safer on the road.
What to Do If You Suffer a Car Crash in Houston, TX
Careful driving can help you prevent an accident. However, it cannot compel other drivers to exercise the same level of care. Another driver’s negligent or reckless actions can still cause a serious car collision.
If you’re in a Houston-area car crash this month, it’s important to consider the following steps :
- Think safety first. Don’t move anyone who is unconscious or appears to have serious injuries. If everyone can move, have them move out of the way of traffic. Car lights, flares, and similar tools can alert drivers that there is a crash.
- Get help. Call 911 or have someone on the scene make the call. Emergency medical teams can provide care. Police will secure and examine the scene. Firefighters can contain any dangers and assist those in the crash.
- Collect information. Ask for a copy of a police report. If you can, take photos or video at the scene. Collect contact information from the other driver and from any witnesses.
- Get medical attention. See a doctor as soon as possible. Keep copies of your notes and bills from doctor’s visits. Follow the doctor’s instructions.
Finally, speak to an experienced car accident attorney if you or your child suffered serious injuries. The team at Gustin Law Firm is here to help.
To learn more, contact us to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our knowledgeable Houston car accident lawyers.