As the school year begins in Sandy, we need to be reminded of basic rules regarding school crosswalks. Here are some reminders:
1) A driver must stop at a school crosswalk if the crossing guard and/or child is still in the crosswalk. A driver must wait until the crossing guard’s and/or child’s feet hit the curb and the crosswalk is clear of any person. There have been issues as crossing guards are setting up and putting cones in the street, cars drive by them while they are still in the street. The driver can get a ticket for this.
The Traffic Law states, “The operator of a vehicle approaching a school crosswalk shall come to a complete stop at a school crosswalk if the crosswalk is occupied by ANY person.” (Sandy Traffic Code 165).
2) If an intersection with a traffic light is also a school crosswalk, the intersection is first and foremost a school crosswalk. This means the operator of a vehicle will stay at a complete stop until every person in the crosswalk has stepped onto the curb and out of the street, even though the traffic light may have turned green.
3) There have been several incidents of drivers speeding through 20 mph school speed zones. When school speed limit signs are flashing, your speed should be 20 mph. Proceed slowly with caution and be prepared to stop. Parents, teach your teenage drivers to drive cautiously at school cross walks.
4) A big distraction of drivers not paying attention as they approach school crosswalks is “cell phones.” Many drivers are talking on their cell phones and not paying attention to children, crossing guards, or what is going on around a crosswalk. Children’s lives are at risk. Please be attentive and put your cell phone away while driving in school zones. Children are unpredictable and you need to be focused on the school and crosswalk.
5) Parents, please do not stop in the middle of the road in front of a school crosswalk and let your child(ren) out of the car. You must drive to a designated drop off area or pull off to a safe area. Children learn from their parents. Please be a good and safe role model.
6) Any person using a school crosswalk, whether it is school children or adults, controlled by a school crossing guard, must obey the rules of the crossing guard. Any person using a school crosswalk, adult or child, should wait for the signal of the crossing guard that it is safe before they step off the curb into the street to cross. It is a rule that children must “walk” their bikes or scooters across the crosswalk. Parents should support the crossing guards and teach their children to obey the crossing guard. The crossing guard and these rules are there for the safety of your children.
A new school year has begun. We, as drivers, parents, and children, need to be reminded of these basic rules at all School Crosswalks. Please show respect to the crossing guards. They are there to keep YOUR children safe.
Here is a link to Altara’s Safe Walking Routes.
