Talking Traffic Safety: School Zones
The end of summer is quickly approaching, which means school is ( or is almost) back in session! During the early morning and afternoon rush, drivers shouldn’t let speeding through school zones become part of their daily routine.
In Colorado Springs, if you receive a school zone violation, you face doubled fines. The city imposes a base fine and one point on a Colorado driver’s license for driving 5 mph above the speed limit. The fine will also increase $10 for each mph above the limit. If a driver exceeded 10 mph over the speed limit, four points are added to their driver’s license. Did you know that is one third of the way to losing a license? However, it’s not just about the monetary consequences. We, as a community, need to make sure we are doing everything we can to keep our kids safe — especially in school zones. Traffic safety is a primary concern for the Colorado Springs Police Department. This school year, we urge you to drive with caution and care — especially in school zones.
Recognizing School Zones
Over the summer, it’s easy to forget about slowing down in school zones. So before the new year starts, make note of all the schools that you drive by during your commute. By proactively being aware of schools near you, you are more likely to follow the basic rules when driving through a school zone. Almost all school zones are preceded by warning signs, flashing lights, and/or speed bumps. Keep your mind and eyes on the road at all times.
Reduce Your Speed
Typically, there are posted speed limit signs indicating the rate you should precede through a school zone. However, before you even enter a school zone, you should make sure you’re giving yourself enough time to safely reduce your speed without slamming on the brakes at the last minute.
Expect Increased Traffic
Drivers should expect to see an increase in traffic — both vehicle and pedestrian. Not only will there be more cars driving kids to and from school, a lot of parents and students will also be out walking during those morning and afternoon commute hours. It’s not uncommon to see children gathered together on the side of rural highways or suburban streets waiting for their school bus to arrive. Sometimes, they may not be paying attention, or may be distracted by their phone, or even running out in front of traffic to chase the bus they just missed. According to a 2016 student by Safe Kids World, 80% of students are using unsafe behaviors when it comes to crossing the street. It’s important that drivers stay vigilant at all times on our roads and slow down, especially when there are a higher number of children outside.
It’s also best to plan a little extra time into your commute when school is back in session. Between buses stopping, extra cars dropping off or picking up students, more kids walking around town, and all-around an increased traffic flow, the extra time will allow you to safely travel to wherever you need to go.
Practicing Safe Behaviors
While in a school zone, it’s important that drivers and students practice safe behaviors. Drivers not only need to reduce their speed, but also be on the lookout for pedestrians, other vehicles, and school buses. When driving near a school bus, make sure you know when you’re supposed to stop.
It’s also worth noting, that school bus drivers and crossing guards send complaints to the Colorado Springs Police Department of drivers who are caught violating school zone laws. CSPD School Resource Officers will identify the vehicle registrant and send a warning letter.
Parents should also talk with their kids about their behaviors, reminding them to look both ways before crossing the street as well as not being distracted when walking to and from the school or bus stop. It’s important to emphasize listening to crossing guards. Every year, school crossing guards show up to keep your kids safe. Additionally, violating their direction is a city offense and you face the same penalties as a moving offense.
