Back to School Safety: Tips from the Hollywood Police Department

Motorists and School Bus Safety
All drivers moving in either direction on a two-way street must stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal and must remain stopped until the road is clear of children AND the school bus stop arm is withdrawn. On a highway divided by a paved median, all drivers moving in either direction must stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal and must remain stopped until the road is clear of children AND the school bus stop arm is withdrawn. On a highway divided by a raised barrier or an unpaved median at least 5 feet wide, drivers moving in the opposite direction do not have to stop for the bus (painted lines or pavement markings are not considered barriers). However, these motorists should slow down and watch for students loading or unloading from the bus.

Be alert and watch for children especially near schools, bus stops, school buses and in school parking lots. Make sure to pay extra attention to lower speed limits in school zones and watch for and obey signals from school crossing guards. Fines are doubled for speeding in a school zone so be aware of your speed. Besides being dangerous it can be expensive. Special speed limit signs are posted around schools to alert you as you enter the zone.

Keep your focus on driving and make other activities secondary and you will notice that flashing speed limit sign, the stopped school bus or the construction ahead sign, all designed to tell you to slow down or pay attention. Once you approach the school, buses will also be entering or exiting the school, keep an eye out as children may be getting on and off or walking in front or behind them.

Let’s all do our part to make sure our kids are safe as they head back to school. For more Public Safety tips and information, visit: http://www.hollywoodfl.org/1352/Police