ORLANDO, Fla. – As backpacks return, buses roll out and school bells ring across Central Florida, it’s time for all of us to sharpen our focus, not just in the classroom but on the roads.
Whether you’re a parent dropping off your child, a driver heading to work or a student walking to school, crosswalk safety is everyone’s responsibility. Here’s what you need to know to help keep our streets and students safe.
FOR DRIVERS:
- Stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks. It’s the law in Florida.
- Yield before the white line, not in the middle of the crosswalk.
- Watch for school zone signs, when lights are flashing, slow down to the posted speed limit.
- No distractions. Put the phone down, put the coffee down, and focus on the road.
FOR PEDESTRIANS:
- Always use the marked crosswalk, don’t jaywalk or cut across traffic.
- Stop at the edge, then look left, right, and left again before crossing.
- Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you before stepping into the road.
School zones are busy, emotional and sometimes chaotic. But that’s no excuse for unsafe driving or walking. A little patience goes a long way. Especially in a school zone. Crosswalks aren’t just paint on the road, they’re lifelines.
Let’s get everyone to class safely this year. No hall passes for risky behavior.
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