School zones are something many drivers consider to be a pain. You’re trying to get to work or run an errand and suddenly there’s a flashing sign telling you to slow down to 15 miles per hour or slower. There’s a line of cars and all you want to do is get where you need to go.
Unfortunately, far too many drivers decide to simply ignore the rules and regulations for traveling through school zones, often with tragic results. Learn about the laws regarding driving safety in school zones, why it can be costly to disobey these laws and how an attorney can help if you’re hurt.
Driving Safety in School Zones
California has very specific rules of the road when it comes to school zones. First of all, the state has a basic speed law, which requires you to use common sense in maintaining speed during dangerous conditions. Specific laws exist when driving within 1,000 feet of a school where children are outside or who may be crossing the street, however.
Unless otherwise posted, in these areas the speed limit is 25 mph. Many school zones have posted speed limits can range as low as 15 mph. Never exceed these speed limits; this is especially true if there is no fence and you can see children. As with any driving safety, keep an eye open for pedestrians and cyclists. Finally, you must obey all crossing guards and safety patrols.
School Buses
Special school zone rules apply when you’re in the vicinity of a school bus. If you’re approaching a stopped school bus, and you are not on a multilane or divided highway, look for flashing lights.
If the bus has flashing yellow lights, slow down and prepare to stop. If the lights are flashing red, you must stop, regardless of the direction from which you’re approaching the bus. You must remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and all children are safely out of the street.
If you are on a divided highway, or a multilane highway, with two or more lanes in each direction, you are not required to stop. Regardless of where you are, it’s always a good idea to slow down and look for children.
Penalties for Disobeying Laws
The penalties for disobeying safety laws in school zones are severe. Many municipalities double or even triple the normal fines for failing to obey the rules in these areas. You could also find your driver’s license suspended, depending on the severity of your violation. This is because it’s exceptionally dangerous, and the law is designed to avoid tragic circumstances.
When to Call a Car Accident Attorney
If you or your child is hurt in an auto accident in a school zone where the driver was behaving irresponsibly, you may be entitled to significant compensation for the injuries you’ve suffered. Collecting damages for your medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of comfort and relationships and more requires help from a qualified auto accident attorney. If you’re in San Francisco or the surrounding regions and this applies to you, the Gruber Law Offices can help. Give us a call for a no-cost consultation today.
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