It’s hard to believe that school started in Spotsylvania this week, with our neighboring counties joining us or starting soon. As the kids are out and about and more people are on the roads, here are a few safety reminders
Prepare. If you have children riding the bus to school, be sure to visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for a list of ways to prepare your child for riding the school bus.
Remind your teen drivers. If you have a teen driver, be sure to review these rules with them. You can also visit the NHTSA for safety tips on teen driving.
Slow down in residential areas. Watch for children walking, crossing the street and standing near the road at their bus stops.
Be Alert! According to the National Safety Counsel, the area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous area for children. Be sure to stop far enough away from the bus to be able to see all children exiting the bus and walking across or down the street. Children are more unpredictable and more likely to take risks.
Stop for a school bus loading and unloading children. Traffic in both directions on undivided highways must stop when students are entering or exiting a school bus (the red flashing lights and extended stop sign arms are your cue to stop). On a divided roadway, all traffic behind the school bus must stop. Details on when to stop of a bus on other roadways can be found here: § 46.2-859.
Beware of school zones! School zone speed limits my vary in both speed limit and enforced hours based on your location. Always stop for a designated crossing guard or school patrol officer directing traffic.
Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel. Stay off your phone and refrain from texting while driving.
