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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

School is Back in Session so Watch for Student Pedestrians

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.

CATEGORIES: Pedestrian Safety
POSTED AT: 11:14:00 AM |