going deeper

Yep. It’s that time of year again! Summer is coming to a close as the start of the school year is here for our D.C.-area students. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or their senior year – there are some helpful traffic tips to ensure a safe & smooth start to the school year for all.

• Be alert on the roads – especially around school bus stops and in school zones.

• Follow traffic safety laws in school zones. The speed limit generally drops to around 20 to 25 mph in all school zones during school hours.

• Don’t pass a school bus that is stopped on the side of the road. This one is extremely important. Often, school buses stopped in or on the side of the road are picking up or dropping off students. If you see a stopped school bus – you should stop and wait until it starts moving.

• Don’t text or talk on your phone while driving.

• If you’re walking your child to school – stay alert! Make sure to use proper crosswalks when crossing the road.

School buses across the country travel approximately 4.3 billion miles per year. School buses are considered the safest form of ground transportation in the U.S. with a fatality rate of 0.02 per 100,000,000 passengers. School buses must stop at all railroad crossings, they can’t turn right on red, and the maximum speed limit for yellow school buses is 45 mph, or the posted speed limit.

We want our students to be safe and successful. It takes our community to make this happen. Be alert, be safe, and be aware on the roads this school year! Of course, we’ll be right alongside you for the drive to and from school – with hope, encouragement, and, of course, the latest traffic updates for you!

Together, we’ll make it a great and safe school year!