Keeping School Zones Safe: Tips for Traffic Awareness Month

August is here, bringing with it the familiar buzz of back-to-school excitement. Families everywhere are juggling their routines, shopping for school supplies, and gearing up for another academic year. Amidst this whirlwind, it’s National Traffic Awareness Month—a timely reminder of the crucial role we all play in ensuring safety on our roads.

Increased Presence of Children

• With students returning to school, the likelihood of encountering children crossing streets or biking in residential areas and near schools significantly increases. It's vital to be extra vigilant and prepared to stop at a moment's notice.

School Buses: Know the Rules

• School buses will be making frequent stops to pick up and drop off students. Remember, when a bus is stopped with its lights flashing and stop sign extended, all traffic must halt until the bus moves.

Chaotic School Zones

• Dropping off and picking up kids can turn school zones into highly congested areas. Patience and attentiveness are key. Stay alert to children darting between cars and follow the directions of crossing guards.

New Student Drivers

• Some high-schoolers will be driving for the first time this school year. They might be nervous or inexperienced. Allow extra space on the road and practice patience, as we were all novices once.

Practical Safety Advice for Kids

• Talk with your children about walking and biking safely. Encourage them to use crosswalks, wear helmets, and avoid distractions from devices while traveling to and from school.

Adopting a few mindful adjustments in our daily routines can yield significant safety benefits for everyone. By embracing careful driving habits and staying informed, we can lead by example and share the responsibility of protecting our community during this busy season.