As the academic year kicks off, Hillsborough County is putting the spotlight on the safety of its youngest pedestrians: schoolchildren. The guidance comes with a series of tips aimed at those on foot and behind the wheel. For the kids, common-sense measures get reiteration, like sticking to sidewalks.
According to Hillsborough County, distractions such as texting should be avoided while in transit, whether on foot or wheels. Drivers aren't left out of the educational loop. They are urged to adhere to the reduced velocity mandates in school zones – slowing down to a crawl comparatively, at 15-20 mph. Staying vigilant is key, the guidelines imply, for children are predictably unpredictable.
The county outlines the rules of engagement when school buses parade the streets, the stop arms they brandish are not mere suggestions – they are traffic laws in motion. With classes commencing, the roads beckon chock full of children. "Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Children may not always follow pedestrian signals precisely," warns Hillsborough County's experts.
