School zones present traffic safety hazards for a number of reasons. Not only are there a greater number of pedestrians around a school zone, but many of them are young children. School-age children are still learning traffic safety rules, and anyone who is learning a new skill is likely to make some mistakes from time to time. Children can also be impulsive, acting without regard for the possible consequences.
Therefore, adults must take responsibility for the safety of children, especially around school zones. Drivers need to take precautions to protect children, and parents need to teach children safety measures.
School Zone Safety Tips for Drivers
Because of the unpredictability of children’s behavior and the increased number of pedestrians, school zones often have speed limits that are lower than the surrounding area by five to 10 miles per hour. These may only be enforced while school is in session. Sometimes the sign posting the speed limit is equipped with lights that flash to indicate that the speed limit is enforced, which may be right before and right after school is in session for the day. Slowing down helps prevent serious injury if a collision should occur.
To compensate for the reduced speed in a school zone, you should give yourself extra time if you have to drive through one during your commute. If it is possible, you may want to avoid the school zone altogether by adjusting your route.
In addition to stopping for pedestrians yourself, you should also avoid passing any other vehicles that have stopped for them. In particular, you should avoid passing a stopped school bus because this is against the law.
You should pay extra attention at intersections because this is where children have been taught to cross the street. When making a turn, look around the framing of your windshield to check your pedestrian blind spot. At the same time, be aware that children may cross the street by darting out mid-block.
School Zone Safety for Pedestrians
Parents should teach children traffic safety rules and emphasize the importance of following them at all times. Whenever possible, parents should provide a rationale for the safety rules, e.g., “drivers expect you to cross at the intersection and are more likely to hit you if you cross at mid-block.” Children should be told to keep in the safe areas for pedestrians, including sidewalks and crosswalks. Parents should also model good behavior by adhering to traffic safety rules themselves, as the lawyers at Cohen & Cohen can explain.
If you or your child has been injured in a car accident occurring in a school zone, an attorney may be able to help you recover damages. Contact a law office for a consultation.
