“Driving in School Zones”
There are different situations that new drivers are introduced to when they get their driver’s license. In many of these situations, they have been passengers for years. One place that almost all new young drivers will drive to is school. The parking lots and streets around schools get congested and people seem to always be in a hurry. In this blog, we will help young drivers and experienced drivers navigate school zones.
First, we will look at some driving laws around school zones, and then we will look at 3 tips for drivers. Around schools, the speed limits are lower during school hours. In the Belvidere area, these times are from around 7:30 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday. It is also the law to stop for all pedestrians who are crossing the street at crosswalks. Around schools, there may also be crossing guards directing traffic and pedestrians. One must follow the direction of these individuals. School buses are prevalent around schools. When school buses have their lights flashing and or stop signs out, traffic from all directions must stop and wait until the bus’s lights subside and the bus begins moving.
Tip #1: Be patient. People often rush to school, work, or out of school. In this rush accidents happen. Accidents only increase the time in which you are trying to preserve.
Tip #2: Give Space. With the high population of young drivers at schools, give extra space for vehicles to maneuver if possible. Also, give space to pedestrians to allow them to know fully if you are stopping or not to prevent sudden stoppages that lead to backups and accidents. If you feel uncomfortable with the space being provided, follow Tip #1 and be patient.
Tip #3: Be on the lookout. In schools, there are a lot of young individuals who do not yet know how to take in the world and make decisions. Pedestrians or drivers will attempt to make maneuvers that are unwise and could have drastic consequences. Whenever you are driving you should be aware of all of your surroundings, but in school zones, it is even more imperative.
Roughly 5 children a week die in school zones. Many of these accidents occur because people are in a hurry or distracted. When in school zones be alert and patient to prevent the unnecessary deaths of the next generation.
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