Students in New Jersey returned to school this week and last, and you know what that means? There will be lots more activity not just around schools but sidewalks and streets too, with students walking, biking, and taking the school bus. It’s a good time for reminders about safety tips this season to avoid creating potentially dangerous situations:
- If you’re driving, never pass a school bus with its stop sign extended and red lights flashing. New Jersey law requires that you stop at least 25 feet from a school bus with flashing lights on a road with no dividers.
- Slow down in school zones, which have lower speed limits.
- Keep your eyes on the road and off your phone or other distracts.
- Stop for people crossing the street; every intersection has a crosswalk — even if it’s not marked.
- If a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk, an intersection, or near a school, don’t pass it. It’s probably stopped to let people cross the street so going around the vehicle could create a dangerous situation.
For students, there are some simple things you can do to make yourselves more visible to drivers:
- Use crosswalks and crossing at intersections from corner to corner.
- Do not cross between parked vehicles, which can make it difficult for drivers to see people trying to cross.
- Wait for the green light or walk sign at signalized intersections.
- It’s always safer to walk on sidewalks but if there are none available, it’s best to walk facing traffic so you can see approaching vehicles.
- If you’re riding a bike to school, ride in the same direction as traffic – and don’t forget to wear your helmet!
Of course, these tips can apply to any pedestrians, whether they’re students or not.
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