Back to school safety tips from the Apopka Police Department

Back to School 2018

The Apopka Police Department would like to remind everyone that Orange County Public School’s resume classes next Monday, August 13th for the 2018-2019 school year. It's never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when kids are present – especially before and after school. Below are some safety tips to keep in mind while driving near school zones, bus stops, and neighborhoods.

If You're Dropping Off

• Don't double park; it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles

• Don't load or unload children across the street from the school or unapproved drop-off and pick-up zones designated by each school

Sharing the Road with Young Pedestrians

• Don't block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic

• In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection

• Always stop for a school crossing guard holding up a stop sign

• Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas

• Don't honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way

• Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians

• Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way

Sharing the Road with School Buses

If you're driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. It will give you more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.

• Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you're on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children

• If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop

• The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus

• Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks

Sharing the Road with Bicyclists

On most roads, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles, but bikes can be hard to see. Children riding bikes create special problems for drivers because usually, they are not able to properly determine traffic conditions. The most common cause of the collision is a driver turning left in front of a bicyclist.

• When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist

• When turning left and a bicyclist is approaching in the opposite direction, wait for the rider to pass

• If you're turning right and a bicyclist is approaching from behind on the right, let the rider go through the intersection first, and always use your turn signals

• Watch for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling; children especially have a tendency to do this

• Be extra vigilant in school zones and residential neighborhoods

• Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars

• Check side mirrors before opening your door

The Apopka Police Department will be out at the local schools/school zones looking for potential violators next week so please pay attention. By exercising a little extra care and caution, drivers and pedestrians can co-exist safely in school zones.