Dewan: Safety first as students return to school

**San José Spotlight**  

**Dewan: Prioritizing Safety as Students Return to School**  

*By Mary Ann Dewan*

As students across Santa Clara County head back to school, it's crucial for motorists to prioritize safety. The return of school buses, increased pedestrian activity, and the presence of students on bikes, skateboards, and scooters means that all drivers must be particularly vigilant in school zones.

In California, traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for school-age children. Research from the National Safety Council highlights that many of these fatalities involve children aged 4 to 7 who are walking near school buses.

Current speed limits in school zones, set at 25 mph, are among the highest in the country. The proposed Safer School Zones Act aims to lower this to 20 mph starting January 1, 2028. The bill would also mandate this reduced speed during peak pedestrian traffic times, from 7-10 a.m. and 2-5 p.m., and define a school walk zone as any roadway or sidewalk within 1,000 feet of a school boundary.

Nine years ago, San Jose adopted the Vision Zero initiative, committing to reducing and eventually eliminating traffic deaths and severe injuries. The city’s plan includes enhancing road safety measures and engaging with the community to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

Here are some key precautions to keep children safe in school zones:

- Follow posted school zone speed limits and traffic signals.

- Avoid blocking crosswalks when stopped at red lights or while waiting to turn.

- Yield to pedestrians crossing at crosswalks or intersections when school zone flashers are active.

- Always stop for school patrol officers or crossing guards with stop signs.

- Minimize distractions and be extra vigilant for children in school zones, playgrounds, parks, and residential areas.

- Refrain from using your horn or revving your engine to intimidate pedestrians.

- Do not pass a bus that is stopped to load or unload children, whether from behind or from either direction on an undivided road.

- Stop when a school bus's yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.

- Maintain a safe distance from school buses, particularly when children are entering or exiting.

- Be aware that bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles. The most common collisions occur when drivers turn left in front of cyclists.

- When passing a cyclist, do so slowly and maintain at least 3 feet of clearance.

- Wait for cyclists to pass when turning left if they are approaching from the opposite direction.

- Allow cyclists to pass before making a right turn if they are approaching from behind.

- Watch for cyclists turning without signaling or coming from driveways or behind parked cars.

- Check your side mirrors before opening your car door to avoid hitting a cyclist.

For those interested in contributing to community safety, school crossing guard positions are listed on city job opportunity websites. Additionally, Santa Clara County’s Walk and Roll – Safe Routes to School Program offers valuable resources for students and families.

By exercising increased caution and adhering to these guidelines, we can help ensure the safety of our children as they return to school.

Mary Ann Dewan is the superintendent of schools for Santa Clara County and has over 33 years of experience in education. Her columns are featured every third Monday of the month in San José Spotlight.