It’s that time of year again, where summer vacations are winding down, and young ones are gearing up to head back to school. As the roadways and sidewalks begin to see an increase in traffic from buses, bikers, and pedestrians it is important to remember how to properly travel throughout school zones and residential areas to ensure that everyone gets to their destination safely. Some tips to follow as you travel:
- If the yellow or red lights of a school bus are flashing and the strop arm is extended, traffic must stop.
- In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection.
- Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign, or otherwise directing traffic.
- Do not block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic.
- The area ten feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.
- Watch for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling; children especially tend to do this.
- BE ALERT; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks.
- Be extra vigilant in school zones and residential neighborhoods.
