Back-To-School Safety Tips For San Anselmo-Fairfax Families

MARIN COUNTY, CA – With kids going back to school across Marin County, local police are sharing some tips to keep the streets safe for students and drivers.

Many children walk or bike to and from school. With school back in session, there will be an increase in traffic congestion, during the morning drop-off and afternoon pickup periods. Give yourself enough time to get to school, and be cautious of the increase of children in the community.

Read on for more traffic safety reminders:

• Slow down. It is never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when kids are present – either on foot or on bicycles. This is especially critical during the early mornings and in the afternoons at dismissal time.
• Watch for and expect young pedestrians. Don't block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you. This can put them in the path of moving traffic. When flashers are blinking in a school zone, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing in the crosswalk or intersection. Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas.
• The speed limit in a school zone is 25 mph when children are present, whether they are visible or not. School zones are designated with regulatory warning signs that read "School Zone."
• It is a violation of the law to pass a school bus that is stopped with red lights flashing and/or the stop signal arm extended for the purpose of loading or unloading students.
• Any person under the age of 18 years of age is required to wear a properly-fitted and fastened helmet while riding a bike. This also applies to non-motorized scooters, skateboards, rollerblades and roller skates.
• Drivers must provide sufficient clearance for bicyclists riding on the shoulder of the road.
• All people in a vehicle are required to properly wear safety restraints.
• Each school is different when it comes to parking. Look for signage and markings near schools when parking.
• The state of California is "hands free" when it comes to using mobile devices while driving. Everyone over the age of 18 years old is required to be hands free while using their mobile device. Text messaging is prohibited as well when holding a mobile device. Anyone under the age of 18 years is prohibited from communicating on a mobile device, even while doing so hands free.

If your student walks to school, remind them to be safe pedestrians:

• Use sidewalks or walking paths.
• Check for moving cars at driveways and intersections.
• Obey all traffic signs and crossing guards.
• Cross the street safely, using crosswalks and corners.
• Look left, right and left again before you cross and walk, don't run across the street.
• Put phones, headphones and devices away when crossing the street.

If your student bikes to school, remind them to be safe bikers:

• Always wear a helmet.
• Ride in the direction of traffic.
• Watch for car doors opening in your path.
• Wear bright clothing to help drivers see you.
• Have reflectors and lights on the front and back of your bike.

Have a great start to the school year!

Image via Shutterstock