It’s every parent’s favorite time of year! The kids are going back to school, but not without the fast-paced excitement of the new year. Here are some road safety tips to ease your mind and a quick refresher on the rules of the road.
Crosswalks – yield to pedestrians
Obey the signals
Both drivers and pedestrians must obey the traffic lights and crossing signals.
If there is a crossing signal button, pedestrians must not leave the sidewalk until the signal is flashing or engaged. Be careful and use reasonable judgement – if a car is too close to the crosswalk to be able to stop for you, do not start crossing until the car has passed. Drivers must yield to pedestrians once the crossing signal is flashing.
Crosswalks can be marked AND unmarked
Crosswalks are at every intersection even if there are no white lines or signals to highlight them. Pedestrians have the right of way at all crosswalks, and drivers must yield to them.
Crossing guards
Once a crossing guard has displayed a stop sign, vehicles must stop at least 5 meters from the crosswalk.
School Buses – know the signals
Amber flashing lights mean the bus is about to stop. The Rule: Vehicles are allowed to pass but should use extra caution.
Red flashing lights OR Stop sign displayed means the bus is stopped to pick up or drop off children. The Rule: All drivers behind and in front of the bus must stop 20 meters from the bus.
School Zones – drive slowly
When children are present in a school zone, you must slow down. The problem: it’s difficult to predict whether children will be present. Children often play in school playgrounds outside school hours.
Best practice: presume children are ALWAYS present in the school zone, and drive at the lower speed.
Know your speed zone
If the speed limit approaching the school zone is 50km/h, the school zone limit is 30km/h.
If the speed limit approaching the school zone is faster than 50km/h, the school zone limit is 50km/h.
Final thoughts:
Traffic can get hectic, but don’t let that get the best of you. Use extra caution, obey the traffic signals and signs, activate the crosswalk lights, and enjoy a few child-free hours.
If you or your child has been injured, reach out to MDW Law’s personal injury team for a complimentary consult to understand your rights and obligations.