If you’re unfamiliar with an area and are driving during times when students are likely to be going to or leaving school, slow down and pay attention to make sure you’re not in a school zone. If you are in a school zone, make sure you follow these rules:
- Know the speed limit. Not all school zones have the same speed limit. Some speed limits are as low as 10 or 15 miles per hour, while others may be 20. Look for the posted speed limit and follow them.
- Put down the phone. Driving and mobile phones don’t mix. Not only can talking on the phone or texting in an active school zone earn you a hefty fine in many states — it can be deadly. Children may not pay attention as they cross a street, so it’s crucial that drivers are always alert.
- Watch for pedestrians. Crosswalks near school zones are particularly busy before and after school, but not all of them have crossing guards, and not all students will wait to cross at the proper time. (In fact, not all students will use crosswalks!) Drive slowly and watch for pedestrians crossing the road or walking in the road. Always give the pedestrian the right of way and follow any signals given by crossing guards.
- Go slowly past parked cars. Children can appear seemingly out of nowhere when they run out from between parked cars to cross the street. Drive slowly and keep your eyes active to scan for movement not just on the street and sidewalk, but between parked vehicles as well. In this situation, the right lane may not be the lane of least resistance. When you have a choice, the center or left lane may be a better option.
When you’re driving in a school zone, you need to follow a specific set of safety measures beyond lowering your speed. Certain actions that you wouldn’t give a second thought to in other traffic situations aren’t allowed in school zones, and that includes passing another vehicle, changing lanes and making a U-turn.
Also, if you’re dropping off children at school, make sure that you don’t use handicap or emergency lanes unless you are licensed to do so.