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September 2026
SCHOOL ZONES ARE NO PLACE TO SPEED, SCROLL, OR TAKE CHANCES
The Back-to-School Driving Rules That Could Save a Life
Each new school year brings a lot of change into our lives. Parents and kids have to adjust to new routines, stricter sleep schedules, and added responsibilities. Yet those without a relationship with the school system also have to make adjustments, especially regarding their driving habits. You have to be aware of new drivers on the road, school buses, and traveling through school zones. I live a couple of blocks from my kids’ former elementary school, and I don’t know if we’re in a high-violation area, but there are always plenty of police out there every year. Whenever local news stations run a back-to-school safety story, they usually report it in front of that school, with police vehicles front and center. Yet, every start of the school year, it seems like I see someone pulled over for speeding or distracted driving while going through that school zone. I don’t think people are aware of how dangerous their actions can be or the legal consequences of unsafe driving within school zones. The first thing we should recognize is that school speed zones have reduced speed limits during the academic
year. These are posted on large signs throughout the area and often state that you need to keep your speed under 20–25 mph. Additionally, these limits are usually only active during morning drop-off and afternoon pickup. They cut the speed limit in these areas because research shows that a pedestrian struck at 20 mph has a 95% survival rate; that drops to 55% at 30 mph. If you’re charged with driving over the speed limit in a school zone, you could face hundreds of dollars in fines, even if you were only going a few miles over the limit. Distracted driving around schools is another serious problem. Every time we’re on the road, there’s a good chance that a driver next to, behind, or in front of us is on their cellphone, and this doesn’t change in school zones. In Texas, it is illegal to use a handheld wireless communication device, such as a cellphone, while operating a vehicle in an active school zone. While hands-free devices are allowed in these areas, you should still be cautious about using them, as they can be distracting. Adjusting the GPS on your center display takes your hands off the wheel, and talking on the phone takes your mind off the road, both of which put those around you at risk. Probably the most misunderstood law around the school year concerns stopped school buses. When a school bus stops with its flashing lights on, drivers in BOTH directions must stop unless the road has a divided median. Even if you aren’t caught in the moment, most buses are equipped with a camera, and you may get a ticket in the mail. These aren’t cheap. A first-time offense could result in a $1,250 fine. If you violate these rules and are in a wreck, understand that these cases are very difficult for the driver. By violating the rules, the driver has already engaged in negligence, meaning it’s easy to prove the driver was at fault. Additionally, children are often sympathetic victims, so jury awards are higher. Not to mention that juries don’t like folks who break the law in school zones. None of us wants to see these cases. Even as a professional who makes their living representing people who were hurt in car accidents, I don’t want to see these situations unfold. I want safety for the kids and everyone else in our community. We can all play a part by abiding by the rules of the road and paying attention. Safety should never be viewed as optional.
- Brooks Schuelke
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LEGAL PITFALLS FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
Purchasing your first home is exciting, but it’s easy to get caught up in open houses, mortgage approvals, and the thrill of finding a place that feels just right. In the rush to reach closing day, many first-time buyers focus on the financial side of the transaction while overlooking the legal details that can have lasting consequences. A missed clause in a contract, an overlooked disclosure, or a skipped inspection can turn what should be a joyful milestone into an expensive headache. Understanding the legal pitfalls that trip up first-time homebuyers can help you make smarter decisions, protect your investment, and get you moved into your new home with confidence. Skipping a Thorough Review of the Purchase Agreement Once an offer is accepted, it’s tempting to move forward as quickly as possible. Many first-time buyers sign purchase agreements without fully understanding what they’re agreeing to, assuming the paperwork is mostly routine. In reality, a real estate contract contains critical details about contingencies, timelines, responsibilities, and potential penalties. Missing or misunderstanding a clause can create serious problems if financing falls through, repairs are needed, or the transaction doesn’t proceed as planned. Every section of the agreement deserves careful attention. Reviewing the contract thoroughly and seeking legal guidance when necessary can prevent costly misunderstandings later. Ignoring Property Disclosures Property disclosures are designed to provide buyers with information about known issues affecting a home. Despite their importance, many first-time buyers don’t give these documents the attention they deserve. Disclosures can reveal problems such as water damage, foundation issues, mold, pest infestations, or prior repairs. Some buyers skim through these documents or assume a home’s appearance reflects its overall condition. Carefully reviewing every disclosure and asking questions about anything unclear can help buyers avoid unexpected repair costs after moving in. Waiving the Home Inspection In a competitive market, buyers sometimes waive inspections to make their offers stand out. While this may improve the chances of securing a property, it can also expose buyers to significant financial risks.
A home inspection can uncover issues that aren’t immediately visible during a showing. Electrical problems, plumbing defects, roof damage, and structural concerns often remain hidden until a professional evaluates the property. Even homes that appear well-maintained can have underlying issues. Investing in an inspection provides valuable insight into the property’s condition and may offer opportunities to negotiate repairs before closing. Overlooking Title Issues A home’s title establishes legal ownership, making a title search one of the most important steps in the purchasing process. Unfortunately, some first-time buyers don’t fully understand its significance. Title problems can include unpaid taxes, contractor liens, ownership disputes, or clerical errors in public records. If these issues aren’t identified before closing, they can create legal complications for the new owner. A thorough title search helps uncover potential issues, while title insurance protects against issues that may arise after the sale. Both serve as important safeguards for buyers. Missing Important Deadlines Home purchases involve numerous deadlines, and failing to meet them can have serious consequences. Inspection periods, financing contingencies, document submissions, and closing requirements all operate on strict timelines. First-time buyers often underestimate how quickly these deadlines approach. Missing one can result in financial penalties, lost negotiating power, or even contract termination. Staying organized throughout the transaction and maintaining regular communication with real estate professionals can ensure all requirements are completed on time. Failing to Understand Closing Documents Closing day is often filled with excitement, but it’s also when buyers sign some of the most important legal documents in the transaction. Many people are eager to get the keys and move in, which can cause them to rush through paperwork without fully reviewing it. Closing documents outline loan terms, fees, ownership information, and other legal obligations. Overlooking an error or misunderstanding a term can create long-term financial consequences.
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As kids get older, getting more than a one-word answer can feel like a parenting victory. You try to set aside time for a real conversation, but sitting down face-to-face can make the whole thing feel larger than it needs to. Often, some of the best conversations happen when nobody is trying to have one. That’s what makes car rides surprisingly useful for parents. Use the setup to your advantage. A drive to baseball practice, school, or an appointment takes some of the pressure off. The conversation has a natural ending point, and nobody has to sit down with a specific goal in mind. Kids may also be more willing to open up when they can look out the window instead of feeling like they’re being studied. Turn Routine Drives Into Easier Connections Your Best Conversations With Your Child Might Happen Behind the Wheel
TAKE A BREAK
Of course, no one wants to turn every car ride into a serious
conversation. The idea is to find time to check in and chat, and you don’t need to claim the whole ride. If the trip takes 30 minutes, try spending 10 of them
Dutch Apple Pudding Cake
without phones or music. It’s not supposed to be an
Ingredients
interview, so keep the questions simple but open-ended. “How was your day?” will often get nothing more than a “fine” in response. A better question gives
• Nonstick cooking spray • 1 20-oz can apple pie filling • 1/2 cup dried cherries, dried cranberries, or raisins • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup granulated sugar • 1 tsp baking powder • 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk • 2 tbsp butter, melted • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted • 1 1/4 cups apple juice • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar • 1 tbsp butter
them somewhere to go, like, “What was the weirdest part of your day?” or “Did anything happen that annoyed you?” Ask less, listen more. Once you get them talking, resist the parental urge to turn every answer into advice. If you get them to open up and tell you something frustrating or embarrassing, just listen … even if it’s tough! Despite having meaningful advice up your sleeve, responding with an immediate solution or quick lecture can shut them down. Instead, acknowledge what they tell you with a simple answer that keeps the conversation open without making them feel judged. If your child doesn’t want to talk, don’t force the conversation. A quiet ride can still be useful because it keeps the door open without adding pressure. Over time, those tiny, low-pressure moments can make it easier for kids to speak up when they actually do have something to say. Not every drive needs to become meaningful, but a regular habit of leaving room for conversation can make the car feel like a more comfortable place to talk.
Directions 1. Lightly coat 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. 2. In small saucepan, bring apple pie filling to boil; stir in cherries. 3. Transfer apple mixture to cooker. 4. In medium bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. 5. Add milk and melted butter; stir until combined. 6. Stir in walnuts. Pour and evenly spread batter over apple mixture in cooker. 7. In the same small saucepan, combine apple juice, brown sugar, and the 1 tbsp butter; boil gently, uncovered, for 2 minutes. 8. Pour apple juice mixture over batter in slow cooker. 9. Cover and cook on high-heat setting for 2–2 1/2 hours. 10. Turn off cooker and cool, uncovered, for 30–45 minutes.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1100 B Guadalupe Street Austin, Texas 78701
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Every School Year, Drivers Make the Same Dangerous Mistakes
1
6 Legal Errors That Cost Homebuyers Thousands
2
Dutch Apple Pudding Cake
3
Could Your Car Be the Best Place to Connect With Your Child?
A Burglary, Attempted Arson, and Instant Karma
4
A CRIMINAL PLAN GOES UP IN SMOKE THE BREAK-IN THAT BACKFIRED
Most businesses would love more foot traffic. However, Pure Cannabis Outlet in Monroe, Michigan, probably would have preferred it not arrive in a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee backing through the front of the store. The break-in occurred early on a Sunday morning, and security footage showed two suspects using the vehicle to gain aggressive entry. Once inside, they reportedly stole products before moving on to the next part of the plan, which somehow got worse. According to reports, the suspects poured gasoline inside the shop and set it on fire. As criminal strategies go, pouring gasoline inside a building you just crashed into already leaves very little room for things to go smoothly. In this case, the flames became a problem almost immediately when one of the suspects caught fire while trying to leave. Video of the incident reportedly shows the person still ablaze as both suspects ran through the parking lot. It’s hard to imagine that was part of the getaway plan, although by that point, the plan had already taken several sharp turns away from sensible.
the business reopened despite the damage. Authorities, meanwhile, were still looking for the suspects. Pure Cannabis Outlet also seemed to realize the
absurdity of the whole thing. The business joked online that it doesn’t have a drive-thru, which feels like a fair clarification after someone used a Jeep to enter the building. Nobody wants to deal with a burglary or attempted arson, but the lesson here seems fairly clear. If your criminal plan involves a stolen vehicle, gasoline, and accidentally setting yourself on fire, it probably needs another round of editing.
Fortunately, the store’s sprinkler system did its job. When first responders arrived, the fire was already being extinguished, and
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