Driver and pedestrian safety should be on everyone's mind.
The list below highlights some of the more frequent complaints/ violations that occur around our schools.
1. Stop for a Stopped School Bus.....Vermont Law requires that the operators of vehicles stop for a school bus while the bus is stopped to discharge or receive children. Your vehicle must be stopped and must remain stationary until the children have entered the bus or reached the side of the street and the flashing red lights are no longer exhibited by the bus. Passing a stopped school bus is very dangerous and is also serious offense. Vermont law allows for a fine of up to $1,190 and a 5 point assessment on your driver's license.
2. Obey the Crossing Guard.....They are there for a purpose (and it's not to make you late) When they hold up their stop sign, it's as if a police officer was holding it. The crossing guard's only concern is the safety of people crossing the street. Yelling at them will not make the children cross faster.
3. Speeding.....In a school zone, the speed limit is 15 mph. Safety in a school zone depends on it. When driving 40 mph on a dry and level roadway, it would take 125 feet to bring your car to a complete stop. At 25 mph on the same road conditions, it would take 60 feet to bring your car to a complete
4. Discharge of passengers.....Vermont law prohibits passengers from being dropped off or picked up from anywhere except designated areas. Allowing passengers to exit on the roadway when the vehicle is stopped for traffic or the crossing guard is dangerous, not to mention a moving violation. Always pull off the traveled portion before dropping off or picking up passengers.
5. No stopping/ No standing.....Just what it says; even for a few seconds. It is a violation to stop/stand in a prohibited area even to discharge or pick up passengers.
6. No parking / Improper parking.....Vehicles are not permitted to remain in prohibited areas, even if the driver is seated in the car with the motor running.
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