San Antonio police are emphasizing that school zones exist to protect children, yet many drivers continue to ignore speed limits and distraction warnings. As students returned to classrooms across the San Antonio area this fall, law‑enforcement officials reported a surge in unsafe driving behaviors that put young learners at risk.
Citation statistics highlight the problem
According to data compiled by KSAT‑12, officers wrote about 7,000 citations for speeding violations in designated school zones from August 2025 through May 2026. The fines vary by jurisdiction: a standard speeding ticket in the city of San Antonio can cost up to $240, while the same offense in Bexar County may exceed $350.
Crossing‑guard safety concerns
Crossing guards, who wear high‑visibility vests and carry flashing stop signs, say they have been nearly struck by motorists despite their clear signals. Their accounts underscore the need for drivers to obey the law when a guard is present in the roadway.
Police reminders for motorists
Police officials are reiterating two critical safety rules. First, drivers must come to a complete stop whenever a crossing guard is directing traffic. Second, when a school bus deploys its flashing stop sign, all vehicles must halt until the bus signals it is safe to proceed. Officers also stress the importance of removing cell phones and other distractions while driving through school zones.
School districts back in session
Most school districts in the San Antonio metropolitan area have resumed regular classes. Southwest Independent School District returned to school on Monday, followed by Comal Independent School District on Tuesday. The renewed presence of students on sidewalks and streets has heightened the urgency of enforcing traffic safety measures.
Community response and next steps
Parents and community members are voicing concerns about the continued prevalence of speeding. Many are calling for increased patrols during peak drop‑off and pick‑up times, as well as additional public‑awareness campaigns that highlight the legal and moral responsibilities of drivers near schools.
Police departments plan to maintain heightened enforcement throughout the school year, with the goal of reducing the number of citations and, more importantly, preventing accidents that could harm children. Residents are encouraged to report unsafe driving behavior to local law‑enforcement agencies and to model safe driving habits for younger drivers.
Original reporting: KTSA News/Talk (San Antonio) — read the source article.
