What should you do when approaching a school zone?

When approaching a school zone, the best course of action is to reduce speed and be prepared to stop. This is important for a few reasons. First, school zones are areas where children may be crossing the street or walking close to traffic, making it vital for drivers to be vigilant and ready to react. Reducing speed allows for better control of the vehicle and increases the driver's ability to respond to any unexpected actions from pedestrians, such as children suddenly entering the roadway.

Additionally, many school zones have specific speed limits, typically lower than regular traffic limits, to ensure safety during times when children are arriving at or leaving school. Being prepared to stop means that you can quickly and safely come to a halt if necessary, such as when a crossing guard is helping students cross or when children are unexpectedly present in the roadway.

This approach prioritizes the safety of students and reflects responsible driving behavior in zones where the risk of accidents is higher due to the presence of young pedestrians.