Monday, December 21, 2009

School Zone Safety

School zone crosswalks in front of a school.


School zone safety applies to children, parents, and drivers. Children should be careful around drivers and remember that drivers won't always see them. Drivers should also be wary of the unpredictability of children.


Walking


Parents and guardians must remind their children that drivers can be dangerous, too. Children must cross at crosswalks and intersections only, and if they're riding bicycles, they must walk them across. Children should look both ways and only cross when indicated, even if there is no traffic.


Riding the School Bus


Children waiting for the bus should not board until the bus comes to a complete stop. When leaving the bus, children must only cross the street when the driver can see them, and only when the driver indicates they may cross.


Drivers


Markings on the road to indicate a crosswalk.








All drivers must stop at intersections in school zones to let children pass, whether there is a crosswalk marked or not. Children have the right of way. When indicated, drive at a reduced speed while in school zones.


School Bus Laws


School buses use red lights and a stop sign when loading and unloading children.


Drivers must stop for a bus when it has flashing red lights. Drivers on the other side of a divided road or a road separated by a barrier like concrete or grass do not have to follow this.


Tips for Drivers


Drivers should be wary of young children because they may dart in front of cars at any time. Drivers should also remember children don't always cross the street at intersections, and may try to cross in-between parked cars.

Tags: Drivers should, Children should, cross street, Drivers should also, must stop, only cross, School zone