Traffic patterns are about to shift as area school districts begin the new school year. (Lovejoy starts Aug. 12, and McKinney starts Aug. 13.)
Drivers should take precautions to keep everyone safe.
Watch for Pedestrians
- Ensure you have adequate room in the lane ahead of you when making a turn, so you don’t block a crosswalk and force pedestrians to go around you.
- Stop and yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk or preparing to cross at an intersection.
- Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign.
- Take extra care to look for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks and in all residential areas.
- Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
Give Room to Bicyclists
- When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist.
- If turning left when a bicyclist is approaching in the opposite direction, wait for the rider to pass.
- If turning right and a bicyclist is approaching from behind on the right, let the rider go through the intersection first, and use your turn signal.
- Check side mirrors before opening your door.
Don’t Forget about School Buses
- Follow school buses at a safe distance, keeping in mind that they make frequent stops.
- Stay alert for children around buses and remember that children may not always look for vehicles before crossing the street.
- Always stop for flashing red lights or a stop sign on a school bus, regardless of which direction you’re headed, unless the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway. Only continue once the bus has moved, the flashing lights stop flashing, or the bus driver signals that it’s okay to pass.
Thank you for taking extra care as you drive!