By Sandy Garrett, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
One out of every six drivers in school zones is distracted by a cell phone, eating, drinking, smoking, grooming or even reading, according to a recent study by Safe Kids USA. Afternoon drivers are 22 percent more likely to be distracted than morning drivers.
A 2008 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed similar results, finding use of electronics is the greatest distraction to motorists.
If protecting children’s lives isn’t enough of a motivation, soon drivers in Oklahoma will face tougher penalties for driving distracted. Starting November 1, law enforcement can issue citations to drivers who drive dangerously while using cell phones. Police officers are prohibited from initiating a traffic stop simply because a driver is operating a cell phone, but they can issue a citation if the motorist is driving dangerously.
It’s crucial for motorists to always drive safely but it is especially so in school zones! Distracted or hurried driving and speeding through school zones spells disaster. Schools zones are denoted by signs and flashing lights and are enforced by local authorities.
Likewise, it is illegal for motorists to pass stopped school buses in or outside school zones. When a bus prepares to stop, its yellow lights will flash. When it comes to a complete stop, its red lights will flash and its driver will unfold the stop sign arm. Vehicles can begin moving after the bus’s red lights have stopped flashing and the stop sign arm has recessed.
The Automobile Association of America’s (AAA) “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” campaign reminds motorists to:
- Slow down near schools and in residential areas.
- Look for school safety patrollers – a sign that children are in the area.
- Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs of children.
- Practice extra caution in bad weather.
AAA’s campaign reminds students to:
- Wait for buses in a safe place and stay clear of the roadway.
- Enter buses in an orderly manner and take a seat as quickly as possible.
- Remain seated while the bus is in motion.
- Keep head and arms inside the bus at all times.
- Be aware of traffic when leaving the bus.
- Wait until the bus has left to bend down to retrieve items that have been dropped on the ground.
- When walking down the street, remember to keep away from parked cars.
- Cross streets only at corners and stop and look in all directions before crossing.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic, in a single file line.
The 2010-11 school year is getting under way across the state. Make sure you are doing your part to help boys and girls get to and from school safely!
