August is Back to School Safety Month

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 10, 2011) — Fayette County Public School begins on Thursday, Aug. 11. This is an exciting time of the year for students, as they are anxious to see old classmates, eager to make new friends, and full of wonder as to what the new school year may bring.

It can also be a hazardous time of the year. With all of these new distractions, traffic safety may not be on the forefront of a child’s mind. School children may dart out from between parked cars. Clothing worn may not be reflective or particularly bright. A child may lack good judgment when crossing the street.

Motorists, too, may not be prepared for the sudden influx of pedestrian traffic. Drivers need to be more vigilant than ever of children, school busses, crossing guards, flashing lights and school signs.

Lives at Risk

Crosswalks are specific areas for school children, and pedestrians in general, to cross the street. These are usually designated by white or yellow lines. The pedestrian always has the right of way, and the law requires vehicles to yield to the person crossing the street. In 2010, Kentucky school children and crossing guards were struck by vehicles in crosswalks. In 2009, a Kentucky crossing guard was killed while trying to escort a child across the street. It is important for drivers to slow down and look for guards and children in school zones as well as in neighborhoods. Be attentive of your surroundings.

What Authority do Crossing Guards Have?

Crossing guards are employees of the Division of Police. They are authorized to escort children across streets and direct traffic. Obey the crossing guard’s direction, and do not try to race past the guard before the crossing signal is turned on. Drivers committing violations are noted by guards and followed up by law enforcement.

What does it mean when a posted speed limit sign indicates “when children are present”?
The Lexington Division of Police state that “when children are present” refers to the hours while school is in session. The speed limit zone extends 1,000 feet on both sides of the the school property.

Can I pass a stopped bus?

On a two-lane highway, if a school bus is stopped with the stop sign extended, traffic must stop in both directions. If there are multiple lanes in each direction, traffic only stops for all lanes moving in the same direction as the school bus.

Lexington Police strongly urge drivers to:

• Be cautious when backing out of your driveway and look for small children on the sidewalk and in the street;
• Never pass a moving bus (or any other vehicle) on the right side;
• Stop and allow children to pass safely when the stop sign on a bus is extended;
• Slow down and pay attention;
• Stay off cell phones; and
• Give yourself extra time to reach your destinations around school areas.

Mark Schneider is a research analyst for the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center. For more information, e-mail mark1@uky.edu.