Tuesday, September 15, 2009
With school back in session, residents are encouraged to make the safety of children a top priority. All drivers should be on the lookout for young pedestrians walking to and from school. Parents can help by reminding their children to:
- Cross streets at marked crosswalks, look both ways before crossing the street, and avoid crossing the street between parked cars;
- Walk on the left side facing traffic if there is no sidewalk and it is necessary to walk in the street;
- Follow the directions of crossing guards at schools, who are there to assist and protect students; and
- Wear helmets if they are riding bicycles to school. Riders should also follow all traffic rules and signs.
Drivers are reminded to:
- Stop at least 20 feet from school buses that are stopped with flashing red lights. Passing a school bus with flashing red lights incurs a fine of $570 and three points.
- Slow down and obey speed limits. Automated speed enforcement cameras are operating in some school zones where speeding has been documented. If stopped by an officer for speeding in a school zone, drivers may incur a fine of up to $1,000 and five points.
Parents can help if they:
- Accompany young children to bus stops and remain with them until the bus arrives; and
- Obey the “No Parking, No Stopping, and No Standing” signs in a School Zone when dropping off or picking up students. A violation incurs a fine of $50.
For more information about walking to school, see MCDOT's Safe Routes to Schools website.