School is Back in Session: Drivers Need to Slow Down and Stay Alert

Slow down and strictly obey posted speed limits in all school zones. 

Always pay full attention to the road—put the phone away and do not text and drive. 

Come to a complete stop at all stop signs and intersections; rolling stops are illegal and dangerous. 

Avoid blocking crosswalks or intersections when stopping in traffic. 

Wait for crossing guards to safely return completely to the sidewalk before resuming driving. 

Leave extra space around school buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.  

Always obey school bus signals, stopping in both directions on roads without a median when red lights are flashing. 

Avoid rushing. Give yourselves extra time to get ready. 

Review safe, designated routes to school together. 

Encourage children to walk with a buddy if possible. 

Show children how to safely cross the street and practice this with them often. 

Ensure young cyclists always wear a properly fitted helmet. 

Remind children to completely disembark and walk their bikes across all designated crossing areas and intersections, rather than riding through them. 

Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb to ensure they have been seen.  

Remind children to cross only when it is safe, even if they have the right of way. 

Ensure cyclists are not distracted while riding their bikes, avoid using a phone or wearing earphones that may limit their ability to see and hear what is going on around them.  

Be alert and obey the rules of the road. 

Always follow the directions of crossing guards and use sidewalks or marked crossings. 

Stay alert by putting phones and headphones away while walking or cycling near traffic.