Safety Awareness:
Back to School Means Sharing the Road
 
By EMT Ken Sterner
August 22, 2016
 

School days bring traffic congestion, and it is extremely important for drivers to slow down, pay attention, and obey the laws of the road when children and other pedestrians are present.

Sharing the Road with School Buses
• Never pass a bus from behind, or from any direction, if it is stopped to load or unload children.
• If the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, all traffic must stop.
• The area 10 feet around a bus is the most dangerous for children. Stop far enough away to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.
• Be alert! Children are unpredictable. They tend to ignore hazards and take risks.

Sharing the Road with Pedestrians
• Do not block the crosswalk when stopping at a red light or waiting to make a turn.
• Always stop for pedestrians using crosswalks. It’s the law!!
• Obey the directions of school patrol officers and crossing guards.
• Never pass another vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.
• Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians, no matter who has the right of way.

By exercising a little extra care and caution, drivers and pedestrians can co-exist safely.