School Zone Speed Enforcement Resumes

Back-to-School Driving Safety Tips: What Every Driver Should Know

As the school year begins and roads get busier, it’s more important than ever for drivers to stay alert and prioritize safety. With increased traffic, school buses on the road, and kids walking or biking to class, a few extra precautions can make all the difference.

Here are some essential back-to-school driving safety tips to keep everyone—especially children—safe this season:

1. Slow Down in School Zones

School zones have lower speed limits for a reason: to protect kids during busy drop-off and pick-up times.

  • Watch for school zone signs and flashing lights.

  • Reduce your speed to the posted limit—often 20 mph or less.

  • Be ready to slow down even more if children are present.

⚠️ Important Reminder @ NovoaGlobal’s School Zone Speed Enforcement 

NovoaGlobal’s School Zone Speed Enforcement programs are resuming across the country.
Drivers caught speeding in active school zones will receive citations.
Automated speed enforcement cameras are in place in many communities.

2. Watch for School Buses

Sharing the road with school buses requires extra attention.

  • Always stop when a school bus has flashing red lights and an extended stop arm.

  • On two-lane roads, vehicles in both directions must stop.

  • On multi-lane roads with a median, only traffic behind the bus needs to stop.

  • Never try to pass a stopped school bus—children may be crossing the street.

3. Be Mindful of Pedestrians and Crosswalks

Children are often unpredictable, and may not always use crosswalks as expected.

  • Yield to pedestrians in and near crosswalks.

  • Watch for kids walking from between parked cars or along sidewalks.

  • Pay close attention to pedestrian signals and crossing guards.

4. Minimize Distractions

Your full attention should always be on the road—especially in school zones.

  • Put your phone away while driving.

  • Avoid eating, adjusting the radio, or other distractions.

  • Stay focused, particularly in areas with high foot traffic.

5. Be Patient and Plan Ahead

School mornings and afternoons can bring heavy traffic, especially near schools.

  • Leave extra time for your commute.

  • Stay calm and courteous behind the wheel.

  • Certain areas may experience increased congestion during school hours—plan accordingly.

6. Follow Crossing Guard Instructions

Crossing guards are there to ensure safe passage for children.

  • Obey their signals and instructions at all times.

  • Never attempt to drive through a crosswalk while a crossing guard is present.

7. Don’t Block Crosswalks

Stopping over a crosswalk forces pedestrians into traffic.

  • Stop behind the line to keep crosswalks clear.

  • Park responsibly to maintain visibility for children and other drivers.

8. Drive Cautiously Near Schools

Children can be impulsive and hard to see, especially around parked cars and playgrounds.

  • Use extra caution when driving near school entrances and parking lots.

  • Be ready to stop suddenly if a child runs into the street.

Refresh Your Driving Habits:

Back-to-school season is a great time to refresh your driving habits and commit to safer roads for everyone. With just a bit of extra care and attention, you can help make the return to school a safe and smooth experience—for students, parents, and fellow drivers alike.

See the National Safety Council’s checklist for back-to-school safety:  https://www.nsc.org/getmedia/3453c0e1-7004-4ae1-9c10-f56510dd0b5d/back-to-school-safety-checklist.pdf

NovoaGlobal’s School Zone Cameras are Back

And remember—with NovoaGlobal’s automated enforcement systems back in action, safe driving in school zones isn’t just smart—it’s legally enforced. Drive safe, or expect a ticket.

Contact Us

Interested in using school zone speed enforcement in your community? Contact Us: 888-666-4218, Ext. 6 for East Coast and Ext. 7 for West Coast. We can also be reached at [email protected]