Ukiah Unified schools are back in session starting on August 21, 2023, and it’s never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when kids are going back to school.
Back to school brings more traffic congestion. School buses are loading passengers, kids on bikes are hurrying to get to school, and parents drop their kids off before work.
Remember these things to keep our children safe as they go back to school:
- Slow down and pay attention. If you are driving around schools, look out for children and pedestrians at all times, everywhere. Expect the unexpected. Foot traffic is higher as children are going back to school.
- Exercise caution if you’re driving near a school bus and allow a greater following distance than when you’re driving behind a car. Watch for children when school buses stop to unload and load children. And don’t forget passing a school bus is illegal.
- Watch out for bicycles. Children on bikes can be hard to see, and they usually don’t understand traffic conditions.
By exercising extra care and caution when driving in school zones, pedestrians and children will be safer in our community. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website for more back-to-school safe driving tips. https://www.nhtsa.gov/