Officials Urge Safe Back To School Driving Habits

August 22, 2011

As students prepare for a new school year, Escambia County Fire Rescue is asking for the public’s help to ensure this school year starts safely. Fire department and EMS crews will be manning school crossing zones during the week of August 22 to remind motorists to abide by traffic safety laws for the sake of  children returning to school.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, drivers must follow these rules:

  • Adhere to the posted speed limit in designated school zones.
  • When approaching an intersection where a crossing guard is present in the crosswalk with the stop sign raised, do not cross – or turn – into the crosswalk until the guard has completely left the crosswalk.
  • Never stop a vehicle in a manner that blocks a crosswalk.
  • When you approach a stopped school bus (from behind) with lights flashing and the stop arm extended, you must stop.
  • When you approach a stopped school bus (from front) with lights flashing and the stop arm extended, you also must stop, unless:
    • you are on a divided highway and the roadways are separated by an unpaved space at least five feet in width, or
    • you are on a divided highway and the roadways are separated by a physical barrier.
  • You are required to stop at least 10 feet away from the school bus.
  • You must not resume driving until the school bus turns its lights off and withdraws its stop sign.
  • Be certain all exiting children have reached a safe place before proceeding.

Comments

One Response to “Officials Urge Safe Back To School Driving Habits”

  1. always bizzie on August 22nd, 2011 8:20 am

    Parents, please have a talk with your teenagers that are driving to school. Teenagers sometimes don’t always follow the rule of the road. My inexperienced driver was on his way to pick up his schedule last week, traveling on the narrow Pine Barren Road when he was passed by 2 cars. We were run off the road and they left us like we were sitting still. We were going just over the speed limit. It was not a safe place to pass, not to mention how fast they were going. When we arrived at school both or the cars were in the student parking lot. So many of the teenagers fly down that road that I cringe everytime I have to travel on it during the times they will be going to and from school. If students would just follow the rules of the road they would not have to worry about getting a ticket. I know that some adults need to set a better example also. I hope everyone has a safe year!