LAKE COUNTY ? Roadways throughout the county will be more congested now that school”s back in session. Upper Lake schools opened their doors to students last week while the rest of the county”s 38 schools start this week and after the Labor Day weekend.
Traffic will increase with parents driving their kids to and from school Monday through Friday. Peak traffic congestion times include the early morning commute, early afternoon, and from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. when school and after-school programs generally finish for the day. The increased congestion means chances of accidents increase also, according to local authorities.
The Lake County area school districts ask motorists to keep an eye out for students walking across roadways on their way to school. Often students are preoccupied with the jitters that accompany back-to-school time.
The combination of sleepiness, heavy backpacks, and nervousness can take their minds off of pedestrian safety rules, school officials say.
Other than being sure to abide by speed laws, Lake County Sherriff Rodney Mitchell suggests drivers exercise extra precaution when on the roads, especially during the first couple of weeks after the first day of school.
“There are two main problems we encounter the first couple of weeks after school starts. One is the amount of vehicle traffic is always higher until people settle into their commute and bus schedules,” said Mitchell.
Because of the increased traffic, another problem is increased distraction, according to Mitchell. “Those new to driving near schools can be very distracted, and even veteran drivers who are used to it are dealing with very enthused and excited kids in cars.”
Teenagers as well as elementary school kids may either dread or herald the return of school, either way, says Mitchell, their inexperience as drivers and heightened distraction is something all motorists should keep in mind this fall.
“Teenagers see school as a very social environment, there”s a lot of excitement about the return to school, and young people are showing off and driving too fast. These are all things to look out for,” he said.
“My primary recommendation is for drivers to take nothing for granted. Don”t assume the other drivers see you, in fact, assume that no one else is watching what you”re doing,” said Mitchell.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles driver”s handbook reminds motorists to abide by the posted speed limits?usually 25 mph unless posted otherwise?within 500 feet of a school while children are present. “Always drive more carefully near schools, playgrounds, parks, and residential areas because children may suddenly dart into the street,” says the handbook.
Superintendent of Schools Dave Geck says in addition to making sure drivers are aware of the speed limits near schools, the school districts ask drivers to be patient with each other and with buses.
“We need to be aware that this is the time when bus routes are being created and changing their bus stops, pay attention to flashing red lights, and not assume that kids are not going to be crossing the streets.” he said
“Everyone needs to be patient, because bus drivers are going to be learning new routes and there will be many children walking on roadsides. They might be distracted because they are excited, and bus stops may be new so there could be some confusion all around,” said Geck.
To combat the chaos, Geck recommends reacquainting oneself with signage. For updates on traffic flow and what to do around school site construction, or any other questions, parents should touch base with school administrators.
“When you get to school with the kids, you should try to be aware of any kind of signage that indicates a changed direction of traffic flow. That way you”re not making a risk by making a traffic maneuver that was safe last year but is not safe this year,” he said.
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