According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are 81.5 million children enrolled in schools across the United States.

Many walk to school or are dropped off in front of the building, which is why it’s important for motorists to drive cautiously through school zones.

These zones are in effect in California during the hours children are going to or leaving school, as well the noon recess period when elementary aged children are often playing outside. State law mandates the speed for school zones be 25 miles per hour or less, and fines are doubled for drivers who are pulled over for speeding.

Below are some tips that can help keep children safe in school zones:

Recognize School Zones – Believe it or not, many drivers fail to realize they are in a school zone even if it’s preceded by flashing lights and/or speed bumps. This is because they’re often distracted by talking on the phone (illegal in California) or changing the radio station. It’s important to keep a close watch for such warning signs before it’s too late.

Watch for Buses – Bus drivers may have a difficult time making their way through school zones in the morning and afternoon due to increased traffic. Be sure to stop when the bus has its stop sign deployed and watch for children who may suddenly dart across the street.

Obey Crossing Guards – Crossing guards are often stationed at crosswalks in busy school zones. They have the right to stop traffic in order to let students and their parents safely cross the street.

If you or your child sustained injuries in a school zone car accident due to another motorist’s actions, please contact us to discuss your case.