It’s the First Day of School for many students in the Roanoke Valley.
The following districts went back to school today or are already back in session:
- Bedford County (includes students in and around Smith Mountain Lake)
- Franklin County (includes students in and around Smith Mountain Lake)
- Botetourt County
- Montgomery County (Includes Christiansburg and Blacksburg)
- Pulaski County
- Wise County
- Craig County
What is one of the best things you can do to support the children in your community as they go back to school?
Brush up on your safe driving techniques, especially around school buses and near schools. More child pedestrians are hit by a vehicle within one mile of a school than in any other location. Use caution when driving in residential areas where children will be walking or riding their bikes to school. Observe signs with flashing lights and do not speed in school zones. Other tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic.
- In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection.
- Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign. Follow all directions given by the crossing guard.
- Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas.
- Don’t honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way.
- Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians, especially a school bus.
- Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way.
- Be patient as students cross the street. Young children are especially prone to tripping or dropping things and may stop to pick them up. Wait for the children to complete the crossing before proceeding.
- Allow extra time during these first few weeks, more cars and buses will be on the road, and traffic will increase.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an auto accident that was not their fault, call The Thomson Law Firm for a FREE consultation. We are waiting to assist you and answer any questions you may have about your case. Call today. (540) 777-4900.
