The Eanes Independent School District passed out safety tools to its bus riders Wednesday morning -- flashing red lights for elementary school riders.

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KVUE's Jessica Vess reports

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The first of the district's bus routes began at 6:45 a.m. It was still dark outside while the students waited at the bus stop.

"They're just waiting at every turn. If it's raining or if it's foggy, it's especially challenging," said Bill Grahaham, driver and transportation specialist with Eanes ISD.

The lights strap onto the front of a backpack. The flip of a switch turns on the light.

Bus drivers distributed the lights Wednesday morning as they drop the students off on campus.

"We have unique challenges in the district because of the rolling hills and curvy roads with limited sight, limited sidewalks it's just dark out there," said Wysong.

There are 1,700 students who will receive the lights. The project is a joint effort between the Eanes ISD Transportation Department and the Office of Safety and Risk Management.

"Safety is always job one at Eanes and certainly with transportation," said Tim Wysong, Eanes ISD transportation director.

Money for the lights comes from the district's budget and from the Texas Association of School Boards Innovative Grant.

Additional lights will be available to purchase for about $1 at campus stores.