Safety always in session: back-to-school reminders for motorists
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News from Montana Department of Transportation
MONTANA — Montana’s schools are back in session, which means many children are walking, bicycling, or riding a school bus to and from their destination. MDT would like to remind motorists to always be attentive and alert while driving, to share the road, and to obey all traffic laws as school days bring school buses and increased traffic during school start and end times.
School bus laws:
Make sure you understand and follow Montana’s school bus laws.
— Yellow flashing lights indicate children are preparing to load or unload, and motorists should be prepared to stop.
— Red flashing lights indicate children are loading or unloading, and motorists MUST stop at least 30 feet from the school bus and wait until red lights are no longer flashing.
Together, we can help keep our students safe on their journey. Learn more about the goal of Vision Zero and school bus safety here: Vision Zero | Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) (mt.gov)
Driving reminders:
MDT reminds everyone to be attentive, share the road, slow down, and obey all traffic laws, as school days bring school buses and increased traffic during school start and end times.
Motorists should:
— Always avoid distractions while driving.
— Watch for children walking or bicycling when backing out of driveways and garages, and when exiting alleyways (particularly in the morning and afternoon and as daylight hours decrease).
— Watch for children in school zones and be aware of nearby school routes.
Slow down and watch for children at corners and bus stops.
It is also important for both bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages to:
— pay attention and listen to their surroundings.
— avoid cell phone use while walking and biking.
— make eye contact with drivers before crossing, and
— cross only at crosswalks and intersections
Remember, children are not small adults. A child’s peripheral vision is not fully developed. Children also have difficulty determining direction of sound and judging the speed and distance of moving motor vehicles. By being aware, slowing down, and observing traffic laws, you can do your part as a motorist to ensure Montana’s children arrive to their destination safely.
Are you a parent or guardian of a child? There’s no better time to teach them about pedestrian and bicycle safety! MDT has a wealth of safety and educational resources available online or by contacting MDT’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator at 406-444-9273 or MDTBikePed@mt.gov.
Together, we can keep our students safe!
