Hays CISD takes school bus safety very serious. Each year, students are trained regarding bus safety. The video on this page highlights some of the material. Parents should discuss the bus safety rules with their child. These rules are spread throughout the district's parent and student handbook.

Should a student not follow the district's safety rules, they will be given a safety citation. It is the district's first step in notifying parents that their child is not following the rules. Safety citations are primarily for elementary students and are used at the discretion of the bus driver. The district is committed to the safety of students and the safety citation is a way to open communication with parents.

Hays CISD is in compliance with the state’s laws regarding seatbelts on buses. However, following a tragic bus accident in March 2024, and community concern regarding seatbelts on buses, the district accelerated its normal bus replacement cycle to achieve the goal of having a bus fleet fully equipped with seatbelts at the soonest possible date. In conjunction with the adoption of this plan, the district also created the "Seatbelt is Your Buddy" campaign to encourage students to wear them. The first priority of bus drivers is to maintain focus on the roads, so help from parents encouraging students to wear seatbelts on school buses is greatly appreciated.

Information from the Texas Department of Transportation

Tips for Students:

• Stand as far back from the curb as possible when you are waiting for a bus.

• Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop and watch for the driver to signal that it’s safe to board.

• Listen to the bus driver and remain seated to avoid distracting the driver.

• When exiting the bus, cross only in front of the bus, never behind it. Make eye contact with the driver and wait for the driver’s signal that it’s safe to cross the street.

Tips for Drivers Sharing the Road with Buses:

• Follow school buses at a safe distance, keeping in mind that they make frequent stops.

• Stay alert for children around buses and remember that they may not always look for vehicles before crossing the street.

• Always stop for flashing red lights or a stop sign on a school bus regardless of which direction you’re headed, unless the bus is on the opposite roadway of a divided highway. Continue once the bus has moved, the flashing lights stop flashing, or the bus driver signals it’s okay to pass.

• Violations can lead to a fine of up to $1,250 for a first offense.