Safety tips for kids, parents, and drivers as school resumes

For many kids around the state, if school hasn’t already started, it will soon. That means more kids on the roads heading to class by foot, bicycle, school bus, or even driving themselves.

This time of year serves as a good reminder for all of us to be a little more engaged in the drive. Here are some tips to help us keep our kids safe:

Be engaged
One thing you can always predict with kids is that they can be unpredictable – that’s why it’s important to drive in the moment and free from distraction. Being an engaged driver and aware of what is happening on the road around you will give you a better chance to respond if a child were to dart out into the street.

Plan ahead
If your morning commute takes you through a school zone or if you’re dropping your kids off for their class, be kind and patient. Plan ahead to give yourself time to safely arrive at your destination. Crosswalks, school buses, and parents dropping their kids off could all cause delays to your commute. Give yourself the time you need to make it to your destination on time while keeping school zones safe.

Don’t pass school buses
When you see a school bus with the red lights flashing and the stop arm extended, stop your vehicle. Children may dart out if they’re running late. Putting them at risk isn’t worth the few minutes you might save on your drive. The state legislature also doubled the fine to $200 for passing a school bus during the 2019 legislative session. Just don’t do it.

School zones statewide have been vacant for the past few months - but that's all about to change...if it hasn't already.

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Published 08-16-19