Motorists Urged to Drive With Caution as School Begins on Tuesday for Many Baltimore City Students

Commuters should watch for pedestrians of all ages and plan for heavy traffic patterns as students return to class

As summer quickly comes to an end this Labor Day weekend, many students in Baltimore City will be heading back to school on Tuesday, September 3rd.  The Baltimore City Department of Transportation would like to remind citizens to drive with caution and be on the watch for students so that everyone can have a great start to the new school season.

With classes resuming in many jurisdictions next week, motorists should take extra safety precautions when traveling, especially in school zones and residential areas.  Students will be learning new routes to school, parents will be dropping off their children, and crossing guards will be assisting families at city intersections.  These activities can cause traffic congestion and delays, so drivers should be patient when traveling in school zones and reduce speeds for everyone’s safety.  Motorists should allow plenty of extra travel time, as commutes will be impacted starting on Tuesday.  

Students who walk to school are encouraged to use marked crosswalks, cross at intersections, and obey all crossing guards.  The Department of Transportation will deploy over 230 crossing guards each school day to assist students safely across busy intersections.  Motorists should be on watch for working crossing guards, and should scan the road ahead for children who may dart between cars or walk into the street.  The beginning of the school year is a time when students are at an increased risk of transportation–related injuries due to motor vehicle crashes. 

Motorists should also be on the watch for school buses when driving.  Red flashing lights and extended stop arms alert drivers that a bus is stopping.  Maryland law requires drivers to stop when a bus displays its red warning lights, and vehicles are not permitted to pass.  Violation of this law can result in citations and fines.  In many areas, bus drivers can report vehicles that pass illegally to protect the safety of all school children.

 

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