As the new school year gets underway, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Caltrans are reminding all road users to prioritize safety around school campuses, where traffic patterns shift with increased drop-offs, pickups, and children walking or biking. The agencies have launched a campaign centered on the 'ABCs' of road safety: stay Alert for Bicyclists and watch for and yield to Children crossing the street. This initiative aims to reduce the risk of accidents involving young students and ensure that every trip to and from school is safe.
For drivers, the responsibility is particularly significant because children outside vehicles lack the protection of a car. OTS and Caltrans emphasize the need for patience, obeying speed limits, and exercising extra caution at crosswalks and intersections, especially when children are present. Distracted driving, even a momentary glance at a phone, can have devastating consequences, and impaired driving is never acceptable. Drivers are also urged to adjust their driving to weather and visibility conditions and to give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing, waiting until it is safe to do so.
Pedestrians, including students and parents, also play a crucial role in their own safety. The agencies advise using sidewalks whenever available, and if none exist, walking facing traffic to maintain visibility. Crossing should occur only at designated crosswalks, and before stepping into the street, pedestrians should look both ways and attempt to make eye contact with turning or stopped drivers. Visibility is key, especially in low-light conditions; wearing bright or reflective clothing and carrying a light can make a significant difference. Staying alert, avoiding headphones and phone use while crossing, is essential to reacting to unexpected hazards.
Bicyclists, a common sight near schools, are encouraged to stay alert and visible. Planning routes that use bike paths or dedicated lanes away from heavy traffic can reduce risk. Equipping bicycles with lights and reflectors, wearing a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing, and learning hand signals for turning and stopping are all recommended practices. Bicyclists must also remain aware of drivers and always yield to pedestrians, as they are more vulnerable in any interaction.
With the rise in e-bike popularity among young people, the campaign includes specific safety tips. E-bikes can reach speeds of up to 28 mph for Class 3 models, increasing the severity of crashes. State laws and local ordinances often restrict e-bike use for minors or mandate licensing, and helmets are required for riders under 18 on Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, and for all riders on Class 3 e-bikes regardless of age. Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike, and e-bikes without pedals may be classified as e-motos, which are not legal on roads. It is crucial for riders and parents to understand local rules, ride in bike lanes or legal paths, and maintain predictable behavior, especially when turning or crossing streets.
The 'Go Safely CA' initiative, accessible at GoSafelyCA.org, offers further resources to help Californians stay safe on the roads. By adhering to these guidelines, the community can work together to protect students and ensure a safe and successful school year.
