With the new school year starting, children will be crossing streets, walking and bicycling to get to and from school each day. Drivers need to be extra cautious in school zones as children walking in the sidewalks or streets can often be unpredictable.
Tips for Motorists
- Do not text or talk on your cell phone while driving.
- Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits.
- Residential zones are 25mph unless otherwise posted.
- Be alert for school zones that have reduced speed limits when children are present.
- Watch for school buses. Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm indicate the school bus is stopping to load or unload children. State law requires you to stop.
- Children are the least predicable pedestrians and the most difficult to see. Take extra care to look out for children not only in school zones, but also in residential areas, bus stops, playgrounds and parks.
- Keep an eye out for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks.
- When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking or biking to school.
- When driving in neighborhoods or school zones, watch for young people who may be in a hurry to get to or away from school and may not be thinking about getting there safely.
For more information, visit Sacramento County Department of Transportation website.
