What should you do when approaching a school zone with children present?

When approaching a school zone with children present, it's important to be prepared to stop and reduce your speed. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of children who may be entering or exiting the school grounds, crossing the street, or simply playing in the vicinity. By reducing your speed, you give yourself more time to react to any unexpected movements by children, who may not always be aware of their surroundings or make unpredictable decisions.

School zones are typically marked with signage indicating a lower speed limit, especially during school hours. This reduced speed limit is designed to enhance safety and ensure that drivers can react appropriately to the presence of children. Staying alert and ready to stop is essential, as children may suddenly appear from behind parked vehicles or out of school zones.

In contrast to increasing speed or maintaining the regular speed limit, adjusting your speed to what is safe in the context of a school zone is critical for preventing accidents. Honking to alert children is generally discouraged because it can startle them, potentially leading to dangerous situations. Overall, being cautious and attentive while driving through school zones is essential for keeping children safe.