Alaska Schools Are In Session

Alaska Schools Are In Session. This means changes for both foot traffic and vehicle traffic. Two highly dangerous times for Alaskan citizens are: 1) August – the month school starts; and 2) May – the month school lets out. Slow Down Alaska. Please be even more careful while driving and make every effort to ensure your child is visible to drivers.

Alaska Schools Are In Session

Whether a driver or a pedestrian, you may think an enormous yellow school bus is hard to miss. The key is not just to see the bus, but to be vigilant when it stops. School buses utilize flashing lights and a protective arm before opening their doors to allow students on and off the bus. Here are some considerations to remember now that Alaska Schools are in session:

• Give school buses a wide berth.
• Watch children who may dash toward and away from school buses.
• PAY ATTENTION – It is against the law to ignore a school bus “STOP” sign.
• Give children entering or exiting a bus the right of way.
• Watch for even more pedestrians and bicyclists on the road now that Alaska Schools are in session.
• Pedestrians and bicyclists have the right of way in crosswalks.
• Be especially careful when turning right at a red light. 

School Zones

Now that Alaska Schools Are In Session, those school zone crosswalks are even more critical. Identified by yellow signs including: SCHOOL CROSSING or SCHOOL XING as well as pedestrian images, these signs establish school pedestrian routes adjacent to schools. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

Similarly, Alaska DOT has signs indicating “School Bus Stop Ahead.” This sign is normally used where drivers are not able to see the flashing lights of a school bus 700 feet in advance of the bus stop. While school zones have maximum speed limits, drivers must drive at speeds safe for conditions. This means driving less than the maximum speed when necessary. 

Alaska Schools Are In Session – Children And Reflective Gear

Think about school safety before the days grow shorter now that Alaska Schools are in session. Purchase backpacks and other gear with reflective material. Purchase reflective shoes and jackets. If your child’s backpack, clothing or shoes aren’t reflective, apply reflective tape to your child’s school gear and outerwear. Reflective gear helps drivers see your child. 

School Donations Make a Difference

Alaska Schools Are In Session. Whether you have school age children or not, please donate to your local school. While picking up a few extra notebooks, boxes of crayons, glue sticks, scissors, or pens, throw in reflective tape. Families and schools will appreciate your generosity. For most communities, a few dollars makes a huge difference. Spend a few dollars and save a life. 

Johnson Law has been serving Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your serious injury case. We are here to serve you.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Alaska State Legislature

Image Source: Alaska Beacon