With the start of the school year bringing increased activity near campuses, traffic safety experts are emphasizing precautions for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists to help ensure safe journeys to and from school.

The combination of student drop-offs and pickups, children walking or biking, and frequent travel to extracurricular activities creates a complex environment that demands heightened attention. To minimize risks, specialists recommend remembering the “ABCs” of school zone safety: staying alert, watching for bicyclists, and yielding to children crossing the street.

For drivers, the guidance highlights the critical role they play in protecting vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. Motorists are urged to adhere strictly to speed limits, exercise patience, and approach crosswalks and intersections with extra caution—especially in areas where children are present. Avoiding distractions, including phone use, and never driving while impaired are essential steps. Drivers also need to adjust their behavior according to weather and visibility conditions and to allow at least three feet of clearance when passing bicyclists.

Pedestrians too bear responsibility for their safety, particularly in school zones. Experts advise using sidewalks whenever possible and walking facing traffic if sidewalks are unavailable. Crossing should be done only at marked or signalized crosswalks, and pedestrians are encouraged to look both ways and seek eye contact with drivers before stepping onto the street. Visibility is crucial during low-light conditions, so wearing bright or reflective clothing and carrying a light are recommended. Staying alert by avoiding distractions like headphones and mobile devices while walking near traffic is also key.

Bicyclists are advised to remain vigilant and maximize their visibility to both motorists and pedestrians. Planning routes along bike paths or roads with dedicated lanes can reduce exposure to vehicles. Proper equipment, including lights, reflectors, and helmets, is important, as is wearing bright clothing. Cycling hand signals should be used to clearly communicate intentions, and bicyclists must remain aware of their surroundings and yield to pedestrians at all times.

These precautionary measures come as part of a broader effort to make travel around schools safer for all. Additional information and resources are available at gosafelyca.org.