The slower, the safer: Driving safety in school zones

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. ( WHNT ) — With the first day of school right around the corner, everyone must play their part in ensuring kids get there safely.

That starts with following the rules of the road in school zones.

“There’s nothing more tragic than seeing a child run over,” Athens Police Detective Kelly Fussell said.

According to the Alabama Department of Transportation’s Crash Facts , pedestrian fatalities have increased by 90% in the state since 2013.

“Drivers should know where the school zones are on their route to and from work,” Huntsville Police Officer David Broom said. “They should expect delays in those school zones, especially starting out in the year, and they should leave a little bit earlier.”

School zones require frequent stops for pedestrians, buses and students who are dropped off by car, making it vital that drivers are alert and paying attention.

“We get the excuse all the time that people are late for something, and that’s why they’re speeding,” Broom said. “That’s not an excuse.”

Unlike school zones, school buses have their own set of rules drivers must follow. The most common rule is that you cannot pass a bus when the stop sign is out and flashing, even if you’re on the other side of the road.

However, if the road is a divided highway with a barrier, you may keep driving if you’re on the opposite side of the divider from the bus.

As a rule of thumb, it is a good idea to give the bus plenty of room in front or beside you and to drive very cautiously when near it.

“Kids are small, they move real fast,” Fussell said. “They can dart out in front of a car, and the driver doesn’t have time to react.”

Speeding in a school zone or passing a bus could result in fines, community service, or even license suspension.

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