It’s back to school season and that means you’re likely to see kids, families, and busses out and about on your regular commute. Keep safety in mind and remember to slow down near bus stops and school zones.
According to a survey from AAA, more than half of people in Illinois drive through a school zone or pass a bus stop on their normal commute. Thirty-nine percent of people admitted to speeding in an active school zone, and 30% admitted to using their hand-held cell phone while driving in an active school zone.
Read more from AAA here.
Safety Tips to remember while traveling during school days
For Pedestrians and Parents:
- Avoid wearing headphones in order to hear traffic
- Use sidewalks when available or walk against the direction of traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles
- Wear bright-colored or reflective clothing to be seen more easily
- Don’t assume drivers see you, make sure they stop before crossing the street, and make eye contact with the driver to ensure they saw you
For Bicyclists:
- Wear a helmet
- Wear bright-colored clothes
- Ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes when possible
- Don’t wear headphones so you can hear traffic
- Cross the street at intersections and do not pull into the street from between parked cars
For Students
- Arrive at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive
- Stay five steps away from the curb
- Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals for you to board