Back-to-School Safety Starts With All of Us
A Community Reminder from S&D Real Estate Services in Lakeland, Florida
As summer comes to an end and students head back to the classroom, our roads, neighborhoods, and school zones become much busier. At S&D Real Estate Services, we’re proud to be part of the Lakeland community, and we know that creating safe neighborhoods extends beyond buying and selling homes—it also means looking out for one another.
Whether you’re commuting to work, dropping off your children, walking the family dog, or simply driving through your neighborhood, now is the perfect time to refresh yourself on back-to-school safety.
Slow Down in School Zones
School zone speed limits exist for one reason: to protect children. During designated school hours or when school zone lights are flashing, drivers must obey the posted reduced speed limit. Children can be unpredictable, and even a few extra miles per hour can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy.
Remember:
- Watch carefully for posted school zone signs and flashing beacons.
- Put your phone away—using a handheld wireless device in an active school zone or school crossing is illegal in Florida.
- Be patient. A few extra minutes added to your commute are well worth protecting a child’s life.
- Remember that children could dart towards the road at any moment, so watch the children on the sidewalks as they travel to and from school.
Know Florida’s School Bus Stop Law
One of the most important back-to-school reminders is knowing when to stop for a school bus.
In Florida:
- Drivers traveling in both directions on a two-lane road must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and extends its stop arm.
- On roads with a center turn lane or painted/paved median only, traffic traveling in both directions must also stop.
- The only exception is when the roadway is divided by a raised physical barrier or an unpaved median at least five feet wide. In that case, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction do not have to stop, but drivers should still slow down and remain alert for children nearby.
- Never proceed until the bus retracts its stop arm and the roadway is clear of students.
Passing a stopped school bus isn’t just dangerous—it’s against the law and can result in significant fines, license penalties, and most importantly, put children’s lives at risk. You could also end up on Grady Judd’s Morning Briefing. Nobody wants that!
Respect Crossing Guards
Crossing guards are there to safely guide children across busy intersections and school crossings.
When approaching a crossing guard:
- Slow down well before the crosswalk.
- Stop immediately when directed
- Never drive around a crossing guard or another stopped vehicle.
- Make eye contact whenever possible so everyone understands your intentions.
Crossing guards work hard to keep our children safe, and following their directions helps everyone arrive safely.
Be Extra Alert in Residential Neighborhoods
Many students walk or ride bicycles to school, especially in neighborhoods throughout Lakeland and Polk County. During the early morning hours, visibility may be reduced because of fog, rain, or sunrise glare.
Drivers should:
- Slow down on neighborhood streets.
- Expect children to cross unexpectedly between parked cars.
- Watch carefully for bicyclists, scooters, and pedestrians.
- Avoid distractions such as texting, adjusting your GPS, or eating while driving.
- Use extra caution at intersections and crosswalks, even if no crossing guard is present.
A little extra awareness can prevent a lifetime of regret.
Safety Tips for Parents
Parents play an important role in helping children develop safe habits before they ever leave the house.
Here are a few reminders:
- Walk younger children to the bus stop whenever possible.
- Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early.
- Teach children to stay several feet back from the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop.
- Remind children to never walk behind a school bus.
- If crossing in front of the bus, children should wait until the driver signals that it’s safe before crossing.
- Encourage children to make eye contact with drivers before stepping into a crosswalk.
- Dress children in bright or reflective clothing when walking before sunrise or during cloudy weather.
- Review safe walking and bicycle routes before the first day of school.
- Always wear a helmet when cycling to school.
- Eliminate distractions by reminding children to keep phones and headphones put away while crossing streets.
We’re All Part of the Same Community
Every school year brings excitement, new opportunities, and busy mornings. It also reminds us that every driver, parent, student, cyclist, and pedestrian shares the responsibility of keeping our community safe.
At S&D Real Estate Services, we believe great neighborhoods are built on more than beautiful homes—they’re built by neighbors who care for one another.
As students head back to school, let’s all do our part by slowing down, staying alert, and showing patience on the road. Allow yourself a few extra minutes for your morning commute, especially for the first few weeks as everyone gets settled into their new routines and routes. Together, we can help ensure every child arrives safely at school and returns home to their family each day.
From all of us at S&D Real Estate Services, we wish every student, teacher, school employee, and family throughout Lakeland and Polk County a safe, successful, and wonderful school year!