As the summer winds down and students prepare to head back to school, they will be commuting to school on foot, by bicycle and by school bus or private vehicles. The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is gearing up for a significant increase in traffic.
To help minimize traffic congestion and enhance safety, ALDOT’s traffic management centers will closely monitor traffic conditions and traffic flow. Commuters can access these traffic conditions by visiting the ALGO Traffic website or app.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), school buses are the safest way for children to commute to and from school. Yet nearly two-thirds of school-age pedestrians fatally injured in school transportation-related crashes are struck when getting on or off a school bus – either by the bus (62 percent) or other vehicles (38 percent). So, all drivers need to be extra careful in proximity to school buses and parents need to teach children how to safely board and exit a bus.
Nearly 300 children were killed in school transportation-related crashes from 2007-2016. These are preventable deaths, lives cut tragically short. 98 of these children were pedestrians struck by a vehicle.
To prevent accidents, ALDOT urges drivers to:
- Slow down and be alert: School zones and neighborhoods will be filled with pedestrians and cyclists.
- Obey school bus laws: Stop when approaching a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended.
- Be aware of children: Always be on the lookout, especially near schools and bus stops.
ALDOT also advises pedestrians and cyclists to:
- Use sidewalks when available: If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
- Obey crosswalk signals: Look both ways before crossing the street.
- Always wear a helmet when biking: Protect yourself from head injuries. The NHTSA website offers many more tips for parents to help their children travel safely to and from school.
By following these safety tips, we can help ensure a safe school year for everyone.
