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Zonas Escolares
- 1/20You drive through a flashing school zone sign. Slow down and remain alert
Massachusetts law sets 20 Miles Per Hour (MPH) as the school zone speed limit. These zones often have flashing lights or specific hour restrictions. Drivers must slow down, watch for children, and follow posted signs.
Your route passes a school with crossing guards present. Obey all instructions
Drivers must yield to school crossing guards. Ignoring them endangers children and violates state law. Their signals are legally enforceable and must be obeyed completely.
A yellow light is flashing near a playground. Maintain safe behavior and scan area
Flashing school zone lights mean children are nearby. Even if they are not visible, you must slow down and stay prepared to stop.
You are nearing a school zone during early morning hours. Adjust speed accordingly
School zones often apply during specific times like mornings and afternoons. Always check signage for exact timing and reduce speed accordingly.
A school sign warns of a crossing ahead. Prepare to react and follow rules
Warning signs for school crossings indicate high child activity. Slowing down and staying alert helps prevent accidents and protects young pedestrians.
A child is seen running across near a school. Brake smoothly and stay patient
Children can act unpredictably. The law expects drivers to be extra cautious near schools and always stop when a child is crossing the street.
You are 10 feet behind a school bus in a neighborhood. Stop fully and observe
It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus with flashing lights. You must wait until the lights stop flashing or the stop sign retracts.
Driving through a marked school zone, you notice no children. Still slow down
Even if no children are seen, posted limits apply. The law does not change based on visibility of students, safety protocols remain active.
You see children walking on sidewalks near a school. Maintain reduced speed
Pedestrian presence near schools requires reduced speed. Watch for children suddenly entering the road and drive cautiously through the area.
School patrol raises a stop sign as you approach. Comply immediately
School patrol officers are extensions of traffic authority. You must stop and follow their instructions until the signal or sign is removed.
A parent waves a child across the school parking lot. Show patience and yield
Near schools, children might not use formal crosswalks. Always stop and allow them to cross when waved by a guardian or adult.
You cross into a town where 25 mph is posted. Check for school specific signs
Not all thickly settled areas have the same limits. Massachusetts law may lower speed to 20 Miles Per Hour (MPH) in schools even within 25 mph zones.
Approaching a school zone at 2:30 PM, lights flash yellow. Drive with caution
Afternoon dismissal times often include heightened pedestrian activity. Flashing lights signal that the 20 Miles Per Hour (MPH) school zone rule is in effect.
Driving near a school, you see bicycles and pedestrians. Stay predictable
Cyclists and children need space and time. Drivers must use extra care in school areas, anticipating sudden moves and poor visibility.
You turn onto a side street with a school entrance. Monitor your speed
Hidden school zones are often on side streets. Signage still applies, and the 20 Miles Per Hour (MPH) rule protects students in all school zone areas.
A school bus stops ahead in a two way street. Remain still
Regardless of direction, all drivers must stop for school buses unless on a divided roadway. This ensures safe loading/unloading for students.
You hear bells from a nearby school as children exit. Proceed slowly
Audible signs like bells or crowd noise are environmental cues that students are nearby. Adjust speed and prepare for unexpected movements.
You drive past a school zone with unclear signs. Drive cautiously and slowly
When school zone signage is faded or hard to read, it is safer to assume and follow minimum legal limits, especially when kids may be present.
Road work occurs near a school with reduced visibility. Be extra cautious
Reduced visibility and construction create risk zones, especially near schools. Drivers must lower their speed even below posted limits if unsafe.
A child drops something in the road near a crosswalk. Wait until clear
Children may return suddenly for belongings. Stay stopped and do not proceed until the area is completely clear and no child is in the road.