The safety of children is rarely at more risk than when they make their way to and from school each morning and afternoon. The activity around California schools can reach a frantic pace as children walk to school, get dropped off by parents, and arrive by school bus.
That’s not counting the regular traffic passing by as people rush off to work and to complete errands for the day. It’s the children themselves that can get forgotten amid all that hustle and bustle.
Children can be at risk when they travel in SUVs and buses, but they are far less protected when they are outside of vehicles as pedestrians and in the path of traffic. It’s important to observe every traffic law in a school zone and show care beyond what the law requires to prevent tragedies.
School Zone Speed Limits and Guidelines
The DMV California Driver Handbook lays out traffic laws in effect in any school zone. When driving within 500 to 1,000 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street, the speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted.
If the school grounds has no fence and children are outside, never drive faster than 25 mph. Some school zones may have speed limits as low as 15 mph. Always observe these speed limits so that you can avoid hitting pedestrians and so that you have time to brake to avoid hitting another vehicle stopping for pedestrians.
When a school bus is stopped near a school or anywhere else, the law requires drivers to stop when the red lights are flashing. The lights are located at the top front and rear of the bus. Drivers may proceed when the lights go off and all children have safely crossed the street.
Failure to stop for a school bus can earn a $1,000 fine and a suspended driver’s license for a year.
The DMV asks that as motorists approach a school zone they pay extra attention to a few details:
- Be on the lookout to spot small pedestrians and children on bikes.
- Obey all crossing guards and safety patrols. When crossing guards motion cars forwards, allow them time to get out of the way before proceeding.
- Always slow down anytime you see a child near the road, no matter what the speed limit. Children can do unexpected things and it’s always better to use an abundance of caution.
Finding Support for California Accident Victims
If you or a loved one are injured in a school zone accident, whether in a vehicle crash or a bicycle or pedestrian impact, make sure the driver’s insurance company is held fully accountable. Victims and their families should focus on recovery and not have the burden of paying for the enormous expense of medical care on their shoulders.
Talk to an experienced personal injury family lawyer familiar with all California traffic laws about your case in a free consultation session before deciding on your next move.
