Now that the new school year has begun many of our children will be walking to and waiting at bus stops before the sun has risen. Additionally as we turn our clocks back an hour on Nov. 6th, daylight hours will become shorter and our neighborhood children will be out playing before dinner time at dusk. Please be extra vigilant and allow yourself more time when driving through our neighborhood in the morning and evening. Remember that children can be unpredictable and may dart out into the street without looking.
To avoid a stiff fine, points on your driver’s license and an increase in your automobile insurance, remember to obey North Carolina’s law on stopping for a school bus.
Be alert: watch for pedestrians at all times
- Scan the road and the sides of the road ahead for potential pedestrians.
- Before making a turn, look in all directions for pedestrians crossing.
- Don’t drive distracted or after consuming alcohol or other drugs.
- Do not use your cell phone while driving.
- Look carefully behind your vehicle for approaching pedestrians before backing-up, especially small children.
- For maximum visibility, keep your windshield clean and headlights on.
Be responsible: yield to pedestrians at crossings
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked.
- Yield to pedestrians when making right or left turns at intersections.
- Do not block or park in crosswalks.
Be patient: drive the speed limit and avoid aggressive maneuvers
- Never pass/overtake a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.
- Obey speed limits and come to a complete stop at STOP signs.
- Use extra caution when driving near children playing along the street or older pedestrians who may not see or hear you.
- Always be prepared to stop for pedestrians.