Ada County HD, ID
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When it comes to school zones and school bus safety, it's important that commuters of all kinds are vigilant and follow the rules of the road, sidewalks, and bike lanes. Our smallest and most vulnerable community members will walk, bike, and roll their way to school, sports, and other extra curricular activities throughout the school year and we must all do our part to make sure they get home safely.
School Bus Safety:
- Drivers should keep an eye out for students walking to, and waiting at, school bus stops.
- Be aware that school buses make frequent stops.
- When a bus is stopped, drivers should know the rules for when they need to stop:
- On any road with three or fewer lanes, vehicles traveling in both directions must stop.
- On a road with four or more lanes, vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop, and those traveling in the opposite direction can proceed with extreme caution.
- Parents should have continuous conversations with their students on the importance of following bus stop safety rules.
Pick-up and Drop-off Safety:
- Students should use designated crosswalks on the way to the bus stop, and stay out of the roadway while waiting for the bus.
- Students waiting to be picked up by parents should stay on the sidewalk or within the designated pick-up area at their school.
- Those picking up students should yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and keep an eye out for children who may be crossing the street.
- Students and parents should double-check for bicycles before entering or exiting vehicles.
Driving Safety:
- Drivers should watch diligently for school zone signs and posted speed limits within those zones.
- Keep an eye out for small children in crosswalks and on sidewalks.
- Respect crossing guards and practice patience.
- Keep phones and other distractions down and keep eyes on the road.
- Plan ahead by checking for road closures, detours, and any crashes that may impact your commute.
Walk and Roll Safety:
- Use sidewalks and bike lanes whenever possible.
- Always use designated crossings.
- Obey all signals and instructions from crossing guards.
- Avoid entering the roadway between parked cars.
- Keep your eyes up and be aware of your surroundings.