Although summer doesn’t officially end for several weeks, summer vacation ends soon for thousands of children throughout Middle Tennessee. That means the return of reduced speed limits in school zones, crossing guards, and school buses throughout the city and your neighborhood. Whether you have children in school or pass through school zones on your commute to get to work, it’s important to be aware of back-to-school traffic and the dangers that it can pose to you, other drivers, and children.
To do your part in making Middle Tennessee’s roads safer during the 2019-2020 school year, follow these tips:
- Don’t pass school buses that are picking up or dropping off—It’s illegal to pass stopped school buses in Tennessee when students are boarding or exiting. If you see an extended stop sign or flashing lights on the bus, come to a complete stop and wait for the bus to begin moving again.
- Obey crossing guards in school zones—Crossing guards control the flow of traffic in school zones. If you see one at an intersection, remember that they dictate the right of way—not traffic lights or the order that you and other drivers arrived at the stop signs.
- Be careful in residential areas—If you live near a school, there’s a good chance that students in your neighborhood walk to class. Be on the lookout for children during your commutes to and from work, and give them plenty of room, especially if there are no sidewalks.
Ponce Law stands up for the rights of people injured in car accidents, including back-to-school crashes. If you were hurt in a crash, contact our Nashville auto accident lawyers for a free consultation.
