Back to School Safety
Two weeks from today is that magical day that many parents have been longing for and their kids have been dreading. Back to school time! YAY! HOORAY! YIPPEE! (Sorry kids). Let’s take a little time this week to get ourselves mentally prepared for the start of another great school year.
As you have heard me say over and over and over, lowering your speed is the best way to prevent car crashes and keep yourself safe. This is especially important around crosswalks. This is SUPER especially important around crosswalks when school is in session. These specially designated areas are designed for pedestrians to safely cross the road in well lit, high visibility sections of roadway. Two weeks from now you will begin to see crossing guards manning the crosswalks. These unsung heroes are out there, rain or shine, making sure our children can get to school in one piece. It’s important you are paying attention, not only for safety’s sake, but also because the law requires it. Maryland Transportation article 21.107.c. says that willfully disobeying the directions of a school crossing guard will lead to a $290 fine and 1 point on your driving record.
The second reminder I want to share, and one that I am certain you will hear repeatedly over the next several months, is to slow down in a school zone. School zones are clearly marked areas near our schools where you are most likely to share the road with children and school buses. Remember…just because the speed LIMIT is 35 miles per hour, that does not mean you have to be travelling 35 miles per hour. When driving past a school, the lower the speed the better in most cases. Also, remember that fines are increased in school zones. Driving just 1 mile per hour over the posted speed will land you a $120 fine and 1 point on your license. The fines only go up from there.
Until next time, have fun counting down the last few days of summer break and maybe start practicing slower speeds through school zones now. Summer coming to an end is bad enough without having to also worry about a big fat speeding ticket!
As always, if you have a question or concern, please leave it in the comments below. Also, if you have a specific concern with unsafe driving in your area, such as speeding, drag racing, etc., give us a call, send an email, or reach out on social media. Until next week, slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and drive safely
HCSO Main Line – 410.838.6600
Northern Precinct – 410.692.7880
Southern Precinct – 410.612.1717
HCSO Traffic Unit – 443.409.3324
traffictiptuesday@harfordsheriff.org
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