Driving Safe in School Zones
It’s that time again – back to school and that means driving in school zones. Millions of children from preschool to seniors in high school are headed back to the classroom which means school buses back on the roads, kids walking and biking on sidewalks to school and new inexperienced teen drivers are on the roads. How do you keep yourself and children safe on their way to school? Here are a few easy tips to remember.
Give the big yellow bus lots of space and respect while driving
When driving to work or dropping your own children off at school, always exercise the utmost caution around school buses carrying hundreds of children to their classes. Never pass a school bus when its lights are flashing and you see children getting on or off the bus. Do not tailgate a school bus as they make frequent stops that you may not be ready for. Don’t forget that when a school bus is trying to merge back into traffic they have the right of way, not you.
Get familiar with your school zones
Speed limits in school zones are reduced to 15-25mph, and with good reason. More children are hit by vehicles in or near school zones than any other location. Watch for children that may dart out in the road without looking. When you slow down, it forces other drivers behind you to slow down making it a safer place for children as they might not see the obstacles you do. Even if it is not in school hours, slow down regardless. You never know if a sports/band practice or after school activity just ended.
Watch crosswalks and sidewalks
Don’t forget about the students that walk and ride their bicycles to school. Double and triple check intersections in school zones when you are driving through to make sure it are safe to proceed. Just when you think the coast is clear, a late student might dart across the road without fully looking to see if any vehicles are coming. Also, pay special attention to students riding bikes. They are often inexperienced, unsteady and can be unpredictable. If you see a student on a bicycle, slow down and allow at least three feet of passing distance between the bicyclist and your vehicle.
Look out for new/inexperienced drivers
When driving in school zones especially near high schools, be aware that there will be many more drivers on the road who are newly licensed and inexperienced drivers. New drivers, before they become more comfortable on the road can drive overly tentative or make unexpected maneuvers. Be patient and give them extra room.
If you were injured in an accident or a family member was injured in a school zone, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. Attorney Charles V. Contrada will explain your legal options, guide you through the process.
To speak to attorney Charles V. Contrada about a car accident in Ohio or Michigan, call 419.841.4400. Charles has helped thousands of individuals with car accident claims and will explain the legal options that are available to you. Call Contrada & Associates for comprehensive legal guidance that will help you to receive the most favorable outcome.