August is "Back to School Safety Month," an opportunity for the Riverside County Sheriff's Department to remind residents and parents about the need to drive safely and use extra caution in school zones.
"Pick-up and drop-off times can be hectic, but it’s important to be patient and stay safe as children are getting to and from school," Deputy Ray Cortez of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department said in a press release.
Cortez asked motorists to "drive like it is your child, grandchild, niece or nephew walking or riding their bike to school."
As part of its safety month initiative, the department released tips for caution when driving around schools. First, it's important that drivers in school zones slow down and follow the speed limit. Second, adherence to school policies and pick-up and drop-off procedures is vital. Third, drivers should avoid blocking the crosswalk while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
Deputies stressed several rules to ensure safety with school buses. Drivers must stop for buses and watch for children getting on and off them. If following behind a school bus, it's important to stop and remain stopped while the stop sign and flashing red lights are engaged. Drivers in both directions are legally required to stop on any two-lane road without a median or center turn lane.
Finally, the department reminds parents to educate their children who walk or bike to school on pedestrian traffic laws. It's important that children practice safe travel behaviors by using sidewalks when available, looking both ways before crossing a street and crossing only at marked crosswalks with stop signs or signals.