ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - With ECISD and MISD students returning to school next week, roads and sidewalks will be more crowded.

Drivers should also be aware of more school buses on roadways.

According to TxDOT, in 2023, 748 crashes happened in school zones around the state.

14 of those crashes resulted in serious injury and one was fatal.

This year TXDOT has launched their “Be Safe. Drive Smart” back-to-school campaign to help keep people safe on the roads.

“We want everyone to know that when you go back to school you need to be really careful about there may be new roadways, new ways to get to the school,” said Maryann Cedillo, the Public Information Officer for Odessa District TxDOT.

During the first week of school, ECISD and MISD Police Departments will have a visible presence and are following a no tolerance policy for speeding.

“The most common violations we see around school zones are of course speeding. Please be mindful of the active school zones that we have around our campuses, also look out for crosswalks. Pedestrians have the right of way when they are walking across an approved crosswalk and also passing a school bus. Passing a school bus that has its stop stop and flashing lights activated can result in a fine exceeding $500,” said Lt. Terry Upchurch, from the ECISD Police Department.

Cars on both sides of the road are required to stop for a school bus.

The ECISD Police Department has also hung a sign around every school to remind people to slow down while in a school zone.

There is also a large population of high schoolers that drive themselves to school everyday.

Officials are reminding them to drive defensively and pay attention to their surroundings, and avoid using a cell phone while in the car.

“Any inexperienced driver, it’s going to be scary at first to be driving to school for the first time, so you want to make sure to practice your route. make sure you know how to get to school, the turns, everywhere you need to go,” Cedillo said.

It’s also recommended that parents talk to their kids about school zone safety before the first day of school.

“I would suggest that parents communicate well with their children. go over the expectations,” said Chief Scott Mckown, from the MISD Police Department.

If you are a driver just passing through the area, expect more traffic, pay attention to the roadway and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.