Summer is over and our children are back in the classroom. Safety officials from across the region are once again asking drivers to use extra care when driving.
During summer months, drivers become accustomed to not seeing school buses or flashing school zone lights and adjust their driving accordingly. Once September rolls around all that has to change. To avoid car accidents or colliding with a pedestrian during the time of year, here are just a few things to remember as you drive Connecticut roads:
Things to Remember:
- Watch for children near vehicles.
- Pay attention to school zone restrictions – and always slow down in school zones.
- As many as 15% of all Connecticut school children walk or ride their bikes to school.
- Back out of driveways with great care, slowing down to watch for children walking or bicycling to school.
- Be alert — children who are late for the bus often run into the street without paying attention to traffic.
- Cell phones are a killer! They distract the driver and they are illegal to use when driving without a hands-free device. Furthermore, it is illegal for anyone under 18 to use any hand-held cell phone while driving regardless of whether or not they are using it with a hands-free device.
- When passing anyone on a bicycle, slow down and leave at least four feet between you and the cyclist.
- Learn and strictly obey the school bus laws in Connecticut.
- Yellow flashing lights signal that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
- Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped and that children are getting on or off. ALL DRIVERS must stop their vehicles and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.
- Always stop in both directions when approaching a bus with flashing lights.
- Never follow too close to a school bus – as it makes frequent stops.
- The State of Connecticut fine for passing a stopped school bus with red flashing lights, the first offense is $465.
If you are a parent, there are a few things you can do to protect your children.
Protect Your Child Traveling To & From School:
- Have them wear bright-colored clothing when walking or cycling to school.
- Teach your children about traffic laws and traffic safety.
- If your child walks to school, make sure your child’s route to school is a safe one.
If you or your child are ever the victim of a car accident in Connecticut, it is important to gather all the information you can and then call a qualified Connecticut car accident lawyer. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help to ensure that your rights are protected.
RisCassi & Davis has handled thousands of car and pedestrian accident cases over our more than 65 years serving the people of Connecticut. Our accident lawyers have received local and national recognition for our handling of accident cases including:
- Top listing in “The Best Lawyers in America” and “Best Law Firms”….. for more on our honors and awards, click here.
If you would like a free consultation with one of our accident lawyers, contact us today. There is no obligation of any kind.