We are most certainly back in the school season now, so it’s a good time for a refresher on crosswalk safety. Regardless of whether or not you actively drive around school zones on a daily basis, understanding school crosswalk safety is so important. So many innocent lives depend on Colorado drivers taking the time to slow down and stop when required to do so.
The Importance of Crosswalk Safety in School Zones
School zones are some of the busiest areas for pedestrians, especially during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times. In fact, pedestrian injuries and fatalities near schools have been on the rise. It is alarming to note that about 25,000 children in the U.S. are injured each year while walking to or from school, often due to speeding vehicles or inattentive drivers. This emphasizes the need for strict adherence to crosswalk safety rules, particularly in school zones where children are often crossing the road.
In Colorado, vehicles are required by law to yield the right of way to pedestrians already within a crosswalk. Drivers must be particularly vigilant near schools, where traffic volume and pedestrian activity increase dramatically during school hours. Additionally, crosswalks in these zones may lack traffic signals, making it even more critical for drivers to slow down and pay close attention.
Crosswalk Laws in Colorado
In Colorado, crosswalk laws are clear: drivers must yield to pedestrians when they are in a crosswalk. This is especially important in school zones, where children might not always be aware of vehicles or might act unpredictably. Under state law, vehicles are required to stop for pedestrians who are already crossing in marked crosswalks. However, drivers are not required to stop for pedestrians simply waiting at the curb. Pedestrians must also take responsibility and ensure it is safe to cross before stepping into the roadway.
One unique safety feature seen in some Colorado school zones is the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB). This device, activated by pedestrians, uses flashing lights to alert drivers that someone is about to cross. While not legally requiring drivers to stop, these lights serve as a crucial warning that pedestrian activity is present.
Safety Tips for Drivers in School Zones
Drivers need to take extra precautions when entering school zones. Here are a few important tips for navigating these areas safely:
- Slow down. The speed limit in school zones is typically lower to protect children, and fines for speeding are often doubled in these areas. Always adhere to posted speed limits, and be aware that children may appear unexpectedly.
- Stop for school buses. In Colorado, drivers are required to stop when a school bus has its stop arm extended and red lights flashing. This rule is vital in ensuring the safety of children exiting or entering the bus.
- Be aware of crossing guards. Many school zones employ crossing guards to assist children in crossing the street safely. Always stop when directed by a crossing guard and wait until they indicate it is safe to proceed.
Pedestrian Safety Measures for Students
Children also need to understand their role in staying safe when crossing streets in school zones. Here are a few safety measures to help ensure children’s safety:
- Use designated crosswalks. Encourage children to always use marked crosswalks and wait for crossing signals or the assistance of a crossing guard before crossing the street.
- Look both ways. Children should be taught to look left, right, and left again before crossing the road to ensure no oncoming traffic.
- Avoid distractions. Remind children not to use phones or other devices while crossing streets. It is important to stay focused and aware of their surroundings when walking near traffic.
Making School Zones Safer
To further enhance safety in school zones, many communities across Colorado are adopting traffic calming measures. These include the installation of speed humps, enhanced crosswalk markings, and even the use of speed cameras to deter drivers from speeding. These measures help reduce the likelihood of accidents and encourage drivers to be more cautious when approaching school zones.
Crosswalk safety in school zones is a shared responsibility between drivers, pedestrians, and school authorities. By staying vigilant, slowing down, and following the rules, we can all help ensure that children make it to and from school safely. As a Colorado driver, make sure you are doing your part by following crosswalk laws and keeping our school zones safe.