Back-to-School Safety: Staying Safe in School Zones Across the Pacific Northwest

September means back to school across the Pacific Northwest. With students returning to classrooms, our roads are once again filled with school buses, young pedestrians, bicyclists, parents dropping off children, and new teen drivers.

For drivers, that means it is especially important to slow down and pay attention.

Here in Washington, the start of the school year also arrives just as our weather begins to change. Shorter days, darker mornings, rain, wet pavement, and reduced visibility can make already-busy school zones even more challenging.

At Kobes Legal PLLC, we want to remind drivers that a few extra seconds of caution can make a significant difference in keeping children and our communities safe.

Slow Down in School Zones

Washington law generally establishes a 20 mph maximum speed limit at properly posted school and playground crosswalks. Cities and counties may also establish 20 mph school or playground speed zones along roads bordering schools and playgrounds.

Drivers should always pay close attention to the signs posted around each school. Depending on the location, reduced speeds may apply during certain hours, when lights are flashing, or under other posted conditions.

Even when you are outside the designated school-zone hours, slowing down around schools is a good habit. Children can be difficult to see and may not always behave predictably around traffic.

Remember: Crosswalks Aren’t Always Marked

One of the most important things Washington drivers should remember is that a crosswalk does not necessarily need painted lines to be a crosswalk.

Under Washington law, drivers approaching a crosswalk must stop and remain stopped to allow pedestrians or bicyclists to cross when they are within the portion of the roadway protected by the law.

Drivers should be particularly cautious around schools, where children may be crossing at intersections before and after school.

Never pass another vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk to allow someone to cross. The stopped vehicle may be blocking your view of a child or pedestrian in the roadway.

Watch for School Buses

The beginning of the school year also means school buses are back on neighborhood streets.

Give school buses plenty of room and be prepared for frequent stops. When a school bus activates its red flashing lights and stop signal, drivers should know and follow Washington’s school-bus stopping laws.

Never try to hurry around a bus because you’re running late. A child may be crossing the street where you cannot see them.

Pacific Northwest Weather Adds Another Challenge

September weather in Washington can change quickly. After months of relatively dry summer driving, rain returns and roads become wet and slippery.

Rain can also make it harder to see children, particularly during darker mornings and evenings.

As we move further into fall, drivers should:

• Allow extra following distance on wet roads.
• Make sure headlights, windshield wipers, and tires are in good condition.
• Slow down when visibility is reduced.
• Look carefully for children wearing dark-colored clothing.
• Check mirrors and blind spots for bicyclists before turning.
• Give yourself extra time during the morning commute so you aren’t tempted to rush through a school zone.

Put the Phone Away

A few seconds of distraction can have serious consequences, particularly in an area filled with children.

A school zone is not the place to answer a text, look up directions, change a playlist, or check a notification.

Before driving, put your phone away and enter your destination into your navigation system. If something requires your attention, find a safe place to pull over.

Be Extra Careful During Drop-Off and Pick-Up

School drop-off and pick-up times can be hectic. Vehicles may be pulling into and out of parking lots, buses may be stopping, and children may be walking between cars.

If you’re dropping off a student, follow the school’s designated traffic pattern and drop-off procedures. Avoid double parking or stopping somewhere that blocks another driver’s view of a crosswalk.

If you’re simply driving through the area, expect delays and give yourself additional time.

Saving a few minutes is never worth putting a child at risk.

Talk to Young Pedestrians and Bicyclists About Safety

Drivers aren’t the only ones who can help make school zones safer.

Parents can use the beginning of the school year as an opportunity to remind children to look both ways before crossing, use designated crossings whenever possible, avoid suddenly entering the roadway, and stay alert instead of looking at a phone while walking or biking.

Children riding bicycles should also wear properly fitted helmets and use lights or reflective gear when visibility is poor.

School-Zone Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility

Whether you’re taking your child to school, commuting to work, or simply passing through a neighborhood, September is a good time to reset your driving habits.

Slow down. Put away distractions. Expect children to be present. Give school buses room. Look twice before turning through a crosswalk.

Those few precautions can help prevent a collision and keep our Pacific Northwest communities safer throughout the school year.

Injured in an Accident? Kobes Legal Is Here to Help.

Unfortunately, even the most careful drivers, pedestrians, and families can be affected by someone else’s negligence.

If you or a family member has been injured in a motor vehicle or pedestrian accident in Washington, Kobes Legal PLLC can help you understand your options and navigate the insurance claim process.

Our goal is to help injured people protect their rights while they focus on moving forward.

Kobes Legal PLLC
Washington Personal Injury Attorneys
(206) 915-7177
kobeslegal.com

Disclaimer: This post is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Washington laws and county and local rules can change, and every case is unique. Please consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.

This article was prepared by Kobes Legal PLLC with support from our content team and approved by attorney Brett Kobes.