As schools reopen, ensuring road safety in busy school zones becomes crucial. With a mix of children, young inexperienced drivers, and high traffic congestion, following safety laws is essential to prevent accidents during peak times.
Kids of all ages will be returning to school August 28th, and Home Link kids will be attending on site classes shortly thereafter. With this reopening, road safety in school zones is a high priority. These areas, bustling with children, parents, and buses can quickly turn dangerous if proper precautions are not taken.
South Weber Road, East Crawford Street, East D Street, East C Street, South Colville Rd, East H Street, and South Main Street experience high traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times. In particular, D Street and C Street become incredibly congested as many families use these streets to access multiple schools. These roads are critical routes for vehicles and are frequented by pedestrians and children riding bicycles. Adding to the complexity, some drivers in these zones are high school students who need more experience navigating such busy areas. Given the mix of inexperienced drivers, heavy traffic, and vulnerable pedestrians, everyone must follow road safety rules to prevent accidents.
- Speed Limits and Signage
Washington State law mandates reduced speed limits of 20 mph in school zones, per RCW 46.61.440. These lower speed limits give drivers more time to react, particularly when students may suddenly cross the street. If drivers are found to have committed a speeding infraction they are subject to double the fines for speeding in school zones under RCW 46.63.110. - Crosswalks and Crossing Guards
Designated crosswalks should provide safe passage for students and other pedestrians around school zones. Under RCW 46.61.235, Washington law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked, and give right of way. Schools often employ crossing guards to help direct traffic and ensure children cross safely during peak times. It is crucial to raise awareness among young drivers about stopping for pedestrians and following crossing guard signals to avoid accidents. - Parking and Drop-Off Procedures
Congested drop-off areas can quickly lead to confusion and accidents. Each school in our area has created clearly defined parking and drop-off zones. Call the main office if you need clarification about the procedure for your child’s school. These procedures are not only to keep traffic moving, but also for the student’s safety. Washington State’s RCW 46.61.570 prohibits double parking or stopping in travel lanes, which are still common during peak school hours. - Pedestrian Awareness
It’s essential for children to understand pedestrian safety rules, especially when it comes to the dangers of darting into the street from between parked cars, where they can’t be easily seen by drivers. Washington State law requires pedestrians to exercise caution when crossing streets, but drivers are ultimately responsible for yielding to them. Children should be taught to use crosswalks properly and avoid distractions, such as phones, while walking near traffic. Parents and guardians play an important role in reinforcing these safety lessons to help prevent dangerous accidents. - Children on Bicycles
Many students ride their bicycles to and from school. Washington law requires bicyclists to follow the same traffic rules as vehicles, including stopping at stop signs and yielding to pedestrians. However, children on bicycles are particularly vulnerable because they may not have the experience or the physical ability to react quickly in traffic. Drivers need to exercise extra caution, especially when sharing the road with young cyclists. Giving bike riders plenty of space is important, as they can suddenly lose balance, change directions, or stop unexpectedly. Drivers must always check for bikes at intersections. Schools and families can also help by teaching young cyclists the rules of the road and ensuring they wear helmets. - School Buses and Traffic Awareness
Washington State law is strict regarding school buses. Drivers must stop, regardless of the direction they are traveling, when a school bus extends its stop sign and uses its flashing red lights, indicating children are getting on or off. Failing to do so can result in hefty fines and is one of the most dangerous violations in school zones. - Inexperienced Drivers
Inexperienced high school drivers can pose a particular risk in these zones. Without years of driving practice, they may be less familiar with handling heavy traffic, sudden stops, or the unpredictability of children crossing the street. Following speed limits and posted signage are essential in helping them adjust to these conditions, but patience and caution are equally necessary. Encouraging parents to review safe driving practices with their teens, especially when obeying speed limits, watching for pedestrians, and being mindful of school buses, can help improve safety.
At the heart of all these safety measures is the shared goal of keeping our school children safe. Whether it’s reducing speed, following crosswalk rules, or ensuring young drivers are aware of their surroundings, every effort made in our community helps protect the lives of our youngest members.
Sources:
- Washington State Legislature. RCW 46.61.235: Crosswalks., Apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.235. Accessed 17 August 2024.
- Washington State Legislature. “RCW 46.61.440: Maximum speed limit when passing school or playground crosswalks—Penalty, disposition of proceeds.” WA.gov, App.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.440. Accessed 17 August 2024.
- Washington State Legislature. “RCW 46.61.570: Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places—Reserving portion of highway prohibited.” WA.gov, App.leg.wa.gov/Rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.570. Accessed 17 August 2024.
- Washington State Legislature. “RCW 46.61.370: Overtaking or meeting school bus, exceptions—Duties of bus driver—Penalty—Safety cameras.” WA.gov, App.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.61.370&fbclid=IwAR1J6YrjzH8Yw9IcnefXlDWpjOFxTigaI0dW9HVO0UXTma7ZuLf8rYX4PCk. Accessed 17 August 2024.
