CONNECTICUT, USA — It’s that time again; the 2024-2025 school year is beginning, and students are returning to classrooms across the state.
To get there, they access the roads in different ways. Beginning now, be alert for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and others who are traveling to school.
AAA, the American Automobile Association, encourages drivers to be prepared to see school children and teens in their neighborhoods and buses on the roads. Place an increased emphasis on driving slowly, safely and being aware of pedestrians.
AAA said this time of year can be extremely dangerous because of the combination of new drivers, school buses, students and bicyclists all sharing the road.
“Drivers may be out of practice when it comes to the rules of the road, with school buses hitting the streets and students walking and biking to school,” AAA Club Alliance Spokesperson Tracy Noble said. “While traffic patterns may change, the responsibility for keeping students safe does not. It’s important that all drivers, as well as students, remain alert and follow basic precautions for a safe return back to school.”
To drive the point home, AAA is launching its annual “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” public awareness campaign. It aims to reduce fatalities and injuries among child pedestrians and others during this time of increased risk. AAA says more school-aged pedestrians are killed between 3-4 p.m. than any other time of day.
When dropping students off or picking them up at school, follow drop-off and pick-up procedures; be mindful that they may have changed. Never double park because it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles, and don’t unload children across the street from the school. Children should exit on the “curb side” of the vehicle every time.
On the road, always brake for buses. AAA says that in a normal school year, over 330,000 students ride school buses in Connecticut. It is always illegal to pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing and the safety bar is extended. In Connecticut, drivers are typically required to stop at least 10 feet from the front or rear of a school bus until it no longer displays its flashing lights.
The penalty for first time offenders who violate these laws is $450. For the next offense, the violator faces a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to 30 days in jail, while the Department of Motor Vehicles adds four points to the violator’s record each time he or she is convicted of illegally passing a school bus.
Keep track of time when driving and be aware if it is a busy hour for pedestrians such as 7-8 a.m. or 3-4 p.m. Slow down when in school zones and residential neighborhoods and be prepared to stop quickly. When stopping, always come to a complete stop and check both directions for traffic and pedestrians. Eliminating distractions is critical. Crashes can occur when a driver takes their eyes off the road for even a split second. To make matters easier, don’t use your cell phone while driving. Obeying traffic signs and signals is also key, according to AAA.
For pedestrians crossing the street, AAA says to cross only at corners so drivers can see you; never cross between parked cars or mid-block. When a crosswalk is available, always use it. Just because a pedestrian can see the driver doesn’t mean that the driver can see the pedestrian. Look both ways before crossing. Listen for cars, pedestrians and bicyclists.
When a pedestrian confirms traffic has stopped, cross when the light says it is safe to do so, and cross without further hesitation so that it is easy to make it across the street. Watch for cars that are turning left or right while crossing, AAA says, and walk on a sidewalk when it is available.
So that drivers can see them, pedestrians should dress in light colors, wear reflective material or use a flashlight. Remove headphones and don’t use cell phones or electronic devices while crossing the street. AAA says to watch for white lights on the rear of vehicles, signaling backing up in driveways or parking lots. Avoid walking alone when you can; find a friend to walk with.
AAA said bicyclists should have the skills to ride safely such as being able to ride in a straight line and signal to vehicles when turning. Choosing the safest route to school can also be significant; choose a route with less traffic and slower speeds or bike paths if they are available.
Cyclists should be sure to understand traffic safety rules, which include riding in the same direction as traffic and stopping at all stop signs and signals. Parents should explain the importance of wearing a helmet to their children, as AAA says they’re critical to minimizing injury in case of a crash. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety says that wearing a helmet can reduce the odds of a head injury by 50%. Lastly, ride focused and alert; never use earbuds or electronics while riding.
“Whether it is in designated school zones or on streets throughout town, everyone needs to remain vigilant – put down the phone, focus only on the road and pay attention to help students get to and from school safely,” Noble said.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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