Safe in 60: Back to School Road Safety

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — This is back to school week for most schools across Utah. With that change in routine comes school zone speed limits, more morning traffic and pedestrians on the road.

Here are some reminders for drivers:

1. Leave early and anticipate extra traffic and slowing in school zones – especially in the morning.
2. Be on the lookout for school zone signs.
3. Watch for flashing lights on school buses and remember if you see them, you must stop in both directions until the red lights stop flashing.
4. Never pass, change lanes or make U-turns while in a school zone.
5. Remember that fines are usually higher in school zones and there will be more officers out enforcing the speed limit in those areas.
6. Watch for crossing guards.

If you have children walking to school:

1. Walk the route a few times with your child so they know exactly what roads to take.
2. Encourage your child not to use short cuts and to stay on public sidewalks and streets.
3. Teach them to cross at designated crosswalks and signals and to walk, not run, across the road.
4. Have your child walk to school with friends if possible – there is safety in numbers.
5. Teach children never talk to strangers and NEVER get into a car without your permission.
6. Have them come straight home after school.

If you have children riding bikes to school:

1. Check with the school. Some restrict what grades are allowed to bring bikes to school.
2. Always makes sure your child wears a helmet!
3. Just like walking, make sure your child knows which route is safest for them and their bicycle and ride that route with them a few times.
4. Teach your child the proper hand signals to indicate if they are planning to turn.

There is always an adjustment for drivers and children when school starts. Please be patient. It’s better to be late than involved in a tragic accident.

More helpful information from the National Safety Council: https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/seasonal-safety/back-to-school/drivers