With the new school year underway, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Caltrans are reminding drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists of the critical importance of road safety in and around school zones. The annual campaign, dubbed the “ABCs” of school zone safety, encourages everyone to stay Alert for Bicyclists and watch for and yield to Children crossing the street. This initiative comes as traffic patterns shift with the return of school drop-offs, pickups, and extracurricular activities, heightening the risk of accidents involving young students.
Drivers are urged to exercise heightened vigilance, as children outside vehicles lack the protections afforded to those inside. Key tips include adhering to speed limits, exercising patience, and being extra cautious at crosswalks and intersections, particularly where children are present. Distracted driving is a major concern; even a brief glance at a phone can have tragic consequences. Additionally, impaired driving remains a serious offense, and drivers are reminded to adjust their driving to weather and visibility conditions, such as rain, fog, or darkness. When encountering bicyclists, drivers should wait for a safe opportunity to pass, maintaining at least three feet of clearance.
Pedestrians, especially students, are also responsible for their own safety. The guidelines advise using sidewalks whenever available, and if none exist, walking facing traffic to maintain visibility with drivers. Crossing should only occur at designated crosswalks, and before stepping into the street, pedestrians should look both ways and make eye contact with turning or stopped drivers to ensure they are seen. Visibility is crucial, particularly after dark or in poor weather; wearing bright or reflective clothing and carrying a light can make a significant difference. Staying alert by avoiding headphones and phone use while crossing is also emphasized.
For bicyclists, safety begins with proper equipment and planning. Riders should choose routes that utilize bike paths or dedicated bike lanes whenever possible, and ensure their bicycles are equipped with lights and reflectors. Wearing a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing is essential, as is learning and using hand signals to communicate intentions to other road users. Awareness of surrounding traffic and yielding to pedestrians are fundamental practices.
The campaign also addresses the growing popularity of e-bikes among young people, highlighting the increased risks due to higher speeds. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes can reach up to 20 mph, while Class 3 e-bikes can go up to 28 mph, posing a greater potential for severe injury in crashes. Parents and guardians are advised to be aware of local laws regarding e-bike use for minors, which may include age restrictions and licensing requirements. Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 on Class 1-2 e-bikes and for all riders on Class 3 e-bikes, regardless of age. Additionally, riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike, and e-bikes without pedals may be classified as e-motos, which are not legally permitted on roads.
The OTS and Caltrans stress that safety is a shared responsibility. By following these ABCs, the hope is to ensure that every student arrives at school and returns home safely. For more information on safe driving, walking, and biking, visit GoSafelyCA.org for additional resources and tips.
