School’s In Session, Here’s a ‘Rules of the Road’ Review
As a public courtesy and a safety reminder on behalf of our kids, Mark’s Automotive presents the Maryland State Highway Administration’s traffic reminders as the school year pick up.
WHAT TO DO WHEN APPROACHING A SCHOOL BUS
• When a school bus stops and the flashing red lights go on and the stop sign flaps come out, drivers in BOTH directions need to stop. This is the most dangerous time as children getting on or off a bus can dart anywhere.
• Drivers must be patient. There is simply no room for aggressive driving around a school bus.
• It is against the law to pass a stopped school bus with its flashing red lights activated and stop arm extended.
DRIVERS NEED TO REMEMBER
• Realize that your commute takes longer when school is in session – allow more time.
• Don’t put yourself in a position where you have to rush. When drivers rush, they are more likely to make bad decisions.
• Understand that traffic fines can be doubled in school zones – worst case scenario a ticket could cost you nearly $1,000.
• Stay alert. Avoid distractions – especially mobile devices. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood.
• And remember, Maryland law requires motorists to stop for pedestrians in all crosswalks.
WHAT PARENTS AND KIDS NEED TO KNOW
• Children and their parents need to review the rules of the road too – every day.
• If traveling by school bus: have a safe place to wait for the bus, AWAY from traffic and the street, and stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driver signals you to enter.
• When walking: only cross the street at a marked crosswalk, preferably one that has a crossing guard. Before crossing a street, look left, then right, then left again. Stay alert. Follow signals.
• When riding a bike, don’t ever ride your bike across an intersection. Get off and walk it across after looking both ways for oncoming traffic or waiting for a crossing signal.
“We’re focused on making sure our children arrive at school safely whether they are walking, traveling by school bus or by car. Because smaller children have not yet developed the cognitive ability to judge distance and speed, we’re asking that drivers be alert and extra vigilant in their morning and afternoon commutes,” said Executive Director Dale R. Rauenzahn, School Safety and Security Baltimore County Public Schools.
Source: Maryland State Highway Administration
