With Labor Day comes the beginning of the school year for grades K-12! What that means for those who are no longer in elementary, middle, or high school, is that traffic patterns will change, and congestion will increase significantly in and around school zones.
- If dropping off kids:
– Don’t double park and block visibility for children and vehicles
– Don’t load or unload children across the street from the school
– Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and at the school - Don’t 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
- When school zone flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection
- Always follow the directions of a school patrol officer or crossing guard
- Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas
- Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
- Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way
- Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children
– If the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop - The area 10 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
- Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks
- When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist
- Watch for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling; children especially have a tendency to do this
- Be extra vigilant in school zones and residential neighborhoods
- Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars
- Check side mirrors before opening your door
By following these tips, and exercising care and caution, we can ensure that everyone in and around school zones can remain safe.