Those first few days of school can be hectic as parents, students, and bus drivers learn their back-to-school routine. As we get the hang of it, now is a good time to remind drivers to take extra precautions around school buses and while driving through school zones. With my kids walking this year, I am particularly interested in this topic.
Be Safe in a School Zone
Here are some tips from the National Safety Council when dropping off kids or driving in a school zone. {1}
- Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or while waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you. This could put them in the path of moving traffic.
- 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. Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas. Kids are not looking for you. They are often distracted.
- Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
- Do not drop your kids off across the street to navigate traffic and cars in a drop off zone to get to school.
Drive Safe around School Buses
According to research by the National Safety Council, most of the children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are 4 to 7 years old and are struck when walking near the bus. They are typically hit by drivers attempting to pass the bus. The National Safety Council also has some recommendations for safe driving near school buses.{2}
- If you're driving behind a school bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. This gives you more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing.
- It’s illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that’s stopped to load or unload children.
- If the yellow or 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 often unaware of the hazards that traffic may pose.
Drivers should exercise greater care near school zones and when driving throughout the neighborhood surrounding the school during pick up and drop off times. Children are not able to predict traffic patterns, and drivers must account for their lack of knowledge.
If your child has been struck or injured by a negligent driver in a school zone, contact Chelsie King Garza for a free consultation today.
