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Look Out! How to Use School Crossing Signs Safely

Ever wonder why those bright yellow signs with the little black silhouettes of kids are posted all around schools? School crossing signs are there to warn drivers that children may be crossing the road and to slow down and be extra cautious. As a driver, it’s your responsibility to obey these signs and watch out for little ones who may not always remember to look both ways before crossing.

We’ve all been in a hurry before, rushing from one place to another, trying to cram as much as possible into our busy schedules. But when you see those school crossing signs, it’s time to take a deep breath and ease up on the gas. The few extra seconds it takes to slow down could save a child’s life. Kids can be unpredictable, so even if you don’t see anyone waiting to cross, stay alert.

School days bring extra traffic and chaos, so give yourself some extra time and patience. Follow the signs, obey the speed limits, and keep a close eye out for little pedestrians. Their safety is worth far more than any appointment or deadline. Take it slow through school zones – our children will thank you for it.

What Are School Crossing Signs?

Crossing Sign
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School crossing signs are those bright yellow signs posted near crosswalks to warn drivers that children may be crossing. They feature two figures holding hands on a black background.

When you see these signs, it means you need to slow down and be extra cautious. Kids can be unpredictable, so watch out for them suddenly darting into the road. Come to a complete stop if any pedestrians are crossing or about to cross.

These signs are usually placed within 100 to 300 feet of a school crossing to give you adequate time to react. Some may have flashing beacons for added visibility, especially near busy roads. Obey the speed limit and avoid distractions like phones so you can respond quickly if needed.

School days mean school crossings, so take it slow, be vigilant, and always yield to pedestrians. The few extra seconds it takes to safely stop could save a life. No text, call or destination is worth that risk.

School crossing signs are an important reminder to drivers that children’s safety comes first. Heed their warning and do your part to ensure kids can walk to school without fear of traffic accidents. Together, we can create a community where all people feel secure crossing the street.

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Where Are School Crossing Signs Located?

School crossing signs are placed in locations where there are frequent crossings by students, especially near schools and in residential neighborhoods. You’ll typically find them at:

Intersections

Where two roads cross, there are often school crossing signs to alert drivers that children may be crossing. These intersections usually have crosswalks painted on the pavement and flashing lights to make the crossing even safer.

Mid-block

Sometimes students need to cross in the middle of the block, not just at intersections. Mid-block school crossing signs are placed in these locations to warn drivers to watch for students entering the roadway. These mid-block crossings usually have crossing guards present during peak hours to assist students in crossing safely.

Near schools

Any area directly in front of or adjacent to a school is likely to have multiple school crossing signs posted. Drivers should use extra caution and reduce speed in these zones, watching carefully for students walking, biking or being dropped off and picked up.

By being alert and watching out for school crossing signs, especially before and after school hours, you can do your part to keep kids safe. Obey the speed limits, stop completely at crosswalks and be ready to yield to pedestrians. The few extra seconds it takes could save a life.

Together, we all have a role to play in creating a safe community for children and families. So the next time you’re driving near a school, look out for those school crossing signs – and the students who depend on them.

When to Use Caution at School Crossings

When you’re walking near a school, it’s important to exercise caution around school crossing signs. These signs indicate areas where students and families frequently cross the road, so drivers should slow down and be alert.

As a pedestrian, only cross at designated school crosswalks. Look for the striped crosswalk markings on the road and walk signs or crossing guards directing traffic. Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you before stepping into the crosswalk. Walk defensively, even if you have the right of way.

For drivers, obey all traffic laws and speed limits, especially in school zones. Come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections. Be prepared for children to cross the road unexpectedly, as they are sometimes distracted or still learning traffic safety.

When school crossing lights are flashing, that indicates students are present or about to cross. Come to a complete stop until the lights stop flashing and all pedestrians have fully crossed the road. Do not proceed until directed by a crossing guard.

School days often mean heavy traffic in the morning and afternoon when parents are dropping off or picking up students. Leave a few minutes early and expect delays, especially on rainy or snowy days. Be patient and courteous to other drivers, pedestrians, crossing guards and traffic officers directing vehicles and walkers.

By exercising caution, following traffic laws, and being aware of your surroundings near schools, you can help ensure the safety of students, families, and other travelers. We all have a shared responsibility when it comes to road safety in our communities. Slow down, stay alert, and look out for one another!

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School Crossing Safety Tips for Drivers

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When driving near schools, it’s critical to be extra cautious. Follow these tips to ensure students’ safety:

Slow Down

Reduce your speed to 20 mph or less. This gives you more time to react in case a child darts into the road. Young kids can be unpredictable, so slow down and be ready to brake.

Obey Traffic Signs

Pay attention to “School Zone” signs, as speed limits are strictly enforced during arrival and dismissal times. Come to a complete stop at crosswalks and obey crossing guards. They are there to guide students safely across the street.

Watch for Pedestrians

Be on high alert for students walking or biking to school. Kids may cross against traffic lights or between parked cars. Scan both sides of the road and check mirrors frequently. Look out for backpacks or clothing that could make students hard to see.

No Phone or Distractions

Put away your phone and minimize other diversions when driving in a school zone. Your full attention should be on the road. Even a quick glance at your phone can mean missing a child stepping into the street.

No Parking or Drop-Offs

Do not stop or park your vehicle in or near a crosswalk. This blocks visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. Do not double park or stop suddenly to drop off students, as this also impedes traffic and visibility. Find an authorized drop-off location or park legally before walking students to school.

By exercising caution, obeying traffic laws, and eliminating distractions, you do your part to keep kids safe traveling to and from school. Their lives are in your hands, so make safety your top priority in every school zone.

Teaching Kids How to Cross at School Crossings Safely

Crossing Sign
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Teaching your kids how to properly and safely cross the street at school crossings is so important. As parents, we want to do everything we can to keep our children safe. Here are some tips to teach your kids:

Look Both Ways

The most important thing kids can do is look both ways before crossing. Teach them to look left, right and left again to check for oncoming traffic. Looking for vehicles coming from all directions, including those turning onto the road, will help ensure it’s safe to cross.

Obey the Crossing Guards

School crossing guards are there to stop traffic and help kids cross safely. Tell your children to always obey the instructions of the crossing guards. Wait for the guard’s signal that it’s safe to cross, and cross quickly within the crosswalk lines.

Cross at the Crosswalk

Crossing at the designated school crosswalk, rather than jaywalking, is critical. Crosswalks have traffic controls like stop signs, traffic lights or crossing guards to help pedestrians cross safely. Walking outside of a crosswalk puts children in danger of being hit by vehicles.

Walk, Don’t Run

Remind your kids to walk briskly but carefully across the street. Running across can lead to tripping or not seeing potential hazards. A normal walking pace will still allow plenty of time to cross before traffic continues moving.

Be Visible to Drivers

Wearing brightly colored or reflective clothing, especially on overcast days or at night, will make children much more visible to drivers. This allows motorists more time to see kids crossing and stop safely. Consider getting your child a reflective backpack or jacket for their walk to and from school.

Following these safety tips and teaching them to your kids from an early age will give you peace of mind that they know how to properly use school crossings. Their safety is worth the time it takes to show them the right way to cross the street.

FAQ

What does the yellow school crossing sign mean?

The bright yellow sign with two diagonal lines means you’re approaching an official school crossing zone. This is where students and crossing guards help children cross the street safely on their way to and from school.

What do the flashing lights mean?

Flashing yellow lights on the school crossing sign indicate students are currently using the crosswalk. Slow down, stop if necessary, and wait for the crossing guard’s signal that it’s safe to proceed. Exercise extreme caution when driving through an active school zone.

Why is the speed limit reduced?

Speed limits in school zones are lowered to 15-25 mph to give drivers more time to react in case a child darts into the roadway. Slower speeds also minimize injuries in the event of an accident. Obey the posted speed limit – fines are often doubled in active school zones.

What should I do as a driver?

As a driver approaching a school crossing, here are the key things to do:

  • Slow down and be prepared to stop
  • Obey all traffic signs and signals, especially the reduced speed limit
  • Watch for children crossing the road, especially when the yellow lights are flashing
  • Stop completely if the crossing guard has stepped into the roadway or is holding up the stop sign
  • Remain stopped until the crossing guard clears the roadway and signals it’s safe to proceed
  • Never drive around other vehicles that have stopped for the school crossing
  • Exercise maximum caution even when school is not in session, as kids may still be present

By following these tips and staying alert, you can do your part to keep kids safe in school zones. Their lives are in your hands, so safety first!

Conclusion

So there you have it, the basics on how to navigate school crossing zones safely. Whether you’re driving through or walking across, be aware of your surroundings, follow the signs, and watch out for kids. It only takes a moment of distraction for an accident to happen, so put the phone away and keep your eyes on the road.

Kids are still learning the rules of the road and may dart out when you least expect it. Slow down, stop when the guard signals, and proceed with caution. Their safety is in your hands, so do your part to make sure every child gets to school and back home again. Take it slow and be safe out there!

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