Traffic congestion at school zones is a safety concern for all due to queuing up of vehicles and poor visibility ahead. It inconveniences parents, students, school authorities, school bus drivers, police, and the residential neighborhood. The number of school-going students being driven to school by private cars has risen considerably in urban areas. The growth in the use of cars by parents to drop off and pick up students sees fewer children walking or biking to school. Unanticipated traffic and a large number of students at the school gates at a time render all arrangements made by schools ineffective to control traffic congestion.
Steps to Reducing School Zone Traffic Congestion
Vehicle congestion at school entrances conflicts with pedestrians and cyclists coming to school. They may not have access to sidewalks. School parking areas may be unorganized. School buses may block the visibility of pedestrians and cyclists. Parents and motorists may display unruly behavior parking in no-zone areas, double parking, speeding or ignoring traffic restrictions.
A study on the movement of the traffic in and around the school would be the first step before rules for traffic reduction are set in place. Knowing the type of roads around, availability of parking spaces, type of vehicles – vans, buses, cars- that use the road, pedestrian safe ways are a necessity to drawing up traffic plans. 1. Education on Alternative Means of Transport: One of the best ways to ease school zone traffic congestion is to reduce the number of vehicles that converge at school gates during opening and closing times. Parents state traffic hazards, time constraints, distance, and bad weather as reasons for transporting their children to school. Parents have to be educated about the alternate modes of transport their child can avail of. They have to be appraised of the role they have in reducing school zone traffic congestion and increasing student safety. This information can be provided through leaflets or PTA newsletters. Parents and students have to be educated on the benefits of walking or cycling to school. The health aspect and the impact on the environment are to be incorporated into the curriculum so that students understand the concept and are encouraged to walk. The school can reward them with a point system. Students can join walking school bus programs where an adult escorts a group of children along a pre-determined route to school. Children living within walking distance of the school can avail of this method which keeps pedestrian safety in mind. The school bus is the best option for students who live further away from school. Studies show that an approximate number of 38 cars are required to transport an average busload of 45 children. Availing school bus services can reduce traffic congestion at school access points as well as on the roads. Car-pooling is another option for students living in close-by locations. 2. Access points The number of entry and exit points in school has to be regulated. Larger the number of these points, greater will be the congestion. Situating these entrances and exits around the school where the road is bigger or accessibility to parking spaces is nearer will reduce the congestion.
Students walking or cycling to school have to be provided with separate entrances and exits. This will reduce the risk of accidents and traffic hold-ups around the school. Students should not be allowed to ride their cycles within the school premises. All-access points have to be locked during school hours and opened only when students have to be let in and out. Security guards have to be stationed at all access points. 3. Pick up and Drop off points Pick up and drop off points have to be designated for cars and buses. A dedicated drop off zone away from the parking area will help in improving traffic flow. The use of alternate routes in and out of school has to be encouraged so that all vehicles do not congregate in one location. School volunteers or staff can escort children from car to school. This will quicken the drop-off process.
Directing different types of traffic to different locations around the school can help reduction in congestion. Bus pick-up and drop-off are assigned to one area while parents pick and drop in another area. Staff can be provided parking on a different side. 4. Parking Temporary parking spaces for pick-up and drop-off can be created by using sign-boards for peak hours only. Parking spaces near schools in urban areas can be very limited. Unless the school has a dedicated parking area it is extremely difficult to get parking slots near the school. City councils and district councils may be approached for additional space which might infringe into neighboring areas. Consent of neighbors is essential and hence a plan can be negotiated with them for utilizing the space only during school hours after which it will remain vacant for their use. High school children driving to school have to be given clear instructions and lessons on how to park in the areas assigned to them. 5. Traffic Conditions The timings of traffic lights in the area can be revised if necessary to suit the school period. This requires coordination with the local traffic authorities and the adjacent residential areas. Re-routing of streets will force drivers to seek alternative routes. ‘No entry’ or ‘One-way’ signs on roads leading to the school can divert traffic away from the school. Road humps can be installed to reduce the speed of vehicles.
Increased police patrolling during peak hours can be of help. Double parking, waiting in no parking zones, parking across driveways and parking too close to pedestrian crossings can be curtailed with patrolling. Doubling of traffic fines for parking offenses and speeding in the school zones are deterrents and reduce congestion. 6. School Timings Start and finish timings for elementary, middle and high school students can be staggered. Though it might prove inconvenient for parents who have children in all sections, the staggering of school timings can reduce traffic to a large extent.
There is no single solution to traffic management to avoid congestions at schools. Traffic issues differ for each school depending on their size and location. Though the general guidelines can be followed each issue has to be analyzed and dealt with accordingly.
Lebanon has a population of 60, 00000 people of which 85% live in the urban areas. Lack of an efficient public transport system has resulted in an increase in passenger car vehicles on the road…
Irresponsible and negligent driving is the main cause of approximately 1200 deaths a year in traffic accidents alone. Poor road infrastructure also contributes to this statistic.
Traffic rules for drivers as well as pedestrians have been stipulated by the Government. But the authorities have been lax in implementing them.
The following are the rules to ensure driver discipline and safety on the roads.
Driving in Lebanon is on the right-hand side of the road.
The minimum age to obtain a driving license in Lebanon is 18 years.
A driver needs to be 23 years to rent a car, Minimum age to drive commercial vehicles is set at 21 and school buses at 25
Driving Licenses are issued after the candidate passes a mandatory written and practical driving test. They are renewed every 10 years.
Driver rules
Drivers are to
carry a valid driver’s license, registration and insurance documents while
driving.
Drivers cannot
drive motor vehicles without registration and license
Drivers cannot
drive an impounded vehicle.
Drivers should
comply with the traffic lights, should not overrun the red signal and stop when required
Drivers should
give way to aged and disabled persons and students.
They should
give priority to ambulances, fire engines, police and other government
vehicles.
Drivers should
not use radar detection methods.
Drivers should
not drive under fatigue.
Drivers should
not block intersections.
They should
give preference to vehicles inside of a roundabout.
They should
refrain from making illegal U-turns and performing acrobatics on the road
Speed limit
Speed limits
set by the road safety authorities in Lebanon is a maximum of 50kph in urban
areas and 100kph in rural areas.
Driving under
the speed limit by 20Km/h is not allowed.
Driving over
the speed limit by 60km/h attracts maximum fine, vehicle seizure and a jail
term.
Over-speeding,
racing and dangerous driving are not allowed and are punishable offences.
Drink/Drug driving
Driving under
the influence of alcohol and drugs is prohibited.
Even though the
legal limit in drinking and driving is 0.5g/l, the authorities have adopted 0%
tolerance towards driving after drinking.
A graded fining system exists for driving
under the influence of blood alcohol concentration levels of 0.5-0.8g/l,
0.8-1g/l, and for above 1g/l heavy fines, seizure of vehicle and jail term is
imposed.
No open alcohol
containers are permitted in a vehicle on road.
Vehicle safety rules
Seat belts are compulsory
for both front and rear passengers in all vehicles.
Helmets are compulsory
for cyclists and motor-cycle riders.
Cyclists should
use side mirrors.
Cars should not
have dark tinted windows.
Vehicles on the
road should have their light on at all times.
Using mobile phones while driving is
prohibited. A hands-free system can be used.
Signal lights
and high beam lights are to be used only when necessary.
Hazard lights
have to be switched on when the vehicle is broken down or when there is an
obstruction on the road.
Hazard triangle
in the vehicle is mandatory.
Dangling any
part of the body outside while the vehicle is in motion is not allowed.
Registration
plates have to be displayed clearly on the vehicles.
Passenger restrictions
Children under
the age of 5 years have to be seated and buckled in a car seat.
Children under
the age of 10 years should not be seated in the front seat and should not be
transported on motor cycles
Parking regulations
On-street
parking is normally allowed for a maximum of two hours.
Vehicles should
not be parked in no-parking zones, pedestrian walkways and crossings or in
slots reserved for the disabled.
Vehicles for
sale should not be displayed or parked in public parking spaces.
Accident rules
A vehicle
involved in an accident has to be moved to the side of the road
Causing
accidents, not stopping immediately or performing a hit and run attract heavy
fines, seizure of vehicles and jail terms.
Vehicles with
carbon emission beyond the legal limits are penalized.
Noise pollution
and Littering are not permitted.
Pedestrian rules
They have to
respect the traffic signal lights and use the pedestrian crossings
They are to use
assigned bridges and tunnels to cross busy roads.
Entering and
exiting vehicles 25 meters close to intersections, signals or roundabouts in
not permitted.
Violation of each one of the above traffic rules in Lebanon is a punishable offence.
Fines ranging from 200,000 LL to 1,000,000LL are imposed on violators. Major and repeated traffic offences call for imprisonment and confiscation of vehicle and licenses.
If citizens of Lebanon strictly
follow the comprehensive set of traffic rules fatality rate can be reduced.
A change in the attitude of drivers, strict implementation of the rules and a better understanding of safety issues is essential.
Many organizations have been formed to create an awareness of road safety among the people and drivers.
School bus traffic laws are constituted for ensuring the safety of your kid. As a consequence, the student safety is the responsibility of every citizen. With the assistance of traffic stop laws, you will be able to ascertain the precaution you should follow as a motorist or road user for enhanced safety.
As per the law, every road user should remain patient and await for the stopped school bus to load or unload students, in such a way that students can alight or board safely. Require details regarding the school bus traffic stop laws? Let's check it out.
School Bus Stop Laws
Ordinarily, different states have different school bus stop laws. At the same time, every state demands the other drivers to wait until the school bus driver safely boards and alight students. Furthermore, if a stopped bus show flashing red lights, the vehicle in the opposite direction and the overtaking vehicle should calmly wait until the red light is off. Meanwhile, school crossing guards, school bus drivers, and traffic police have the authority to wave traffic on, even when the traffic light is flashing.
Of course, violations can cause hefty penalties such as amends, obtaining demerit points against the driver's license, and the suspension of the driver's license. On the other hand, it is essential for an officer to witness the violation, otherwise the violation will be annulled due to lack of evidence. Moreover, modern school buses are installed with cameras that promptly detect the illegal passing of vehicles.
Safety tips for drivers from the Traffic State Administration
When you back out of a driveway or leave a garage, ensure that there is no child walking or bicycling to school
Be vigilant once you approach the areas near school zones as students will bustle out unexpectedly (a student's only motive is to reach the school on time)
Slow down your vehicle as the children will hike negligently, and be extra cautious to the roads without the sidewalks
Children who become late will never heed traffic and hence, you should be alert enough to evade accidents or injuries
Yellow flashing lights indicate that the school bus is preparing to stop for loading or unloading children
Red flashing lights with the stop arm warn motorists to wait patiently and should move only after red lights are turned off
Safety tips for children from the Traffic State Administration
Reach the bus stop prior to the scheduled arrival time of a school bus
Stand at least 6 feet away from the curb and form a queue away from the road
Wait for the school bus to stop, open the doors, and gain approval from drivers that it is safe to board the school bus
If there is a requirement to cross the road, slowly move to the sidewalk, or walk along the side of the road in such a way that you are 10 feet ahead of the bus. Also, ensure bus drivers noticed you while you cross the road and receive appropriate guidance
Utilize handrails while boarding or alighting the school bus. In addition, be careful that your cloth is not having any draw strings or bag with straps that will have a chance to hang on the school bus doors
Never attempt to walk, move, or stand behind the school bus
Stand at least 3 giant steps away from the side of the bus
Provide adequate warning to drivers whenever you drop anything near the bus as they will not be able to easily notice you
Safety tips for parents and teachers from the Traffic State Administration
Parents should educate the above practices to augment the safety of school transportation
Teachers are responsible to teach children about safety rules for bicycling, walking, or riding a vehicle
Recommend safety resources to children in obtaining details regarding school bus safety
Usual queries of people regarding school bus traffic laws
1. Is it possible to turn in front of a school bus?
Every motorist must consider the school bus loading and unloading students. Nevertheless, it is lawful to turn away from a stopped school bus with lights flashing, it is extremely hazardous as there is an increased chance for students to jump in front of your vehicle unexpectedly.
2. What are the rules to be followed while stopping the school bus?
Ensure that your vehicle is in a stopped condition when the red lights on the school bus are flashing or the stop-arm is extended, especially, when your vehicle approach the school bus from the converse direction with minimum two lanes in each direction. Meanwhile, you are not supposed to overtake a school bus when its red or amber warning lights are glimmering.
3. Is there any need of stopping for the school bus on a divided highway?
No, you are not required to stop your vehicle for the school bus with red lights flashing, especially when you are travelling in the opposite direction or the roadway, have several traffic lanes in it, and is separated by a median or solid barrier.
4. What is the nature of penalty for passing a stopped school bus illegally?
As per the Law, when a vehicle illegally passes the stopped school bus, the person who is driving the vehicle will be suspended for 90 days for the first offense, and one year for the second offense, if the offense occurs within a period of five years.
5. Is there any penalty for passing a stopped school bus?
Yes, there is a penalty for overtaking a stopped school bus. However, it intends to vary from one state to another. For instance, usual punishments include a penalty ranging from $100 to $1000, taking away certain points from the license (varies from one state to another), seize the convict for a few months imprisonment, and a few months suspension of the driving license.
6. Can you pass a school bus with yellow flashing lights?
Yellow flashing light is a warning that indicates drivers is preparing to stop the school bus. Consequently, it is wise to stay cautious and be prepared to stop your vehicle.
As a matter of fact, students, teachers, parents, and traffic personnel are equally responsible for ensuring student safety on or around the school bus. Incidentally, rules are formed for the welfare of the society. Accordingly, school bus traffic stop laws are evidently created for the safety of students in the school bus. Therefore, as a responsible citizen, it is your duty to comply those rules and teach your kids regarding the importance of those rules.
Pick up and drop off points have to be designated for cars and buses. A dedicated drop off zone away from the parking area will help in improving traffic flow. The use of alternate routes in and out of school has to be encouraged so that all vehicles do not congregate in one location. School volunteers or staff can escort children from car to school. This will quicken the drop-off process.
Temporary parking spaces for pick-up and drop-off can be created by using sign-boards for peak hours only. Parking spaces near schools in urban areas can be very limited. Unless the school has a dedicated parking area it is extremely difficult to get parking slots near the school. City councils and district councils may be approached for additional space which might infringe into neighboring areas. Consent of neighbors is essential and hence a plan can be negotiated with them for utilizing the space only during school hours after which it will remain vacant for their use. High school children driving to school have to be given clear instructions and lessons on how to park in the areas assigned to them. 5. Traffic Conditions 
The timings of traffic lights in the area can be revised if necessary to suit the school period. This requires coordination with the local traffic authorities and the adjacent residential areas. Re-routing of streets will force drivers to seek alternative routes. ‘No entry’ or ‘One-way’ signs on roads leading to the school can divert traffic away from the school. Road humps can be installed to reduce the speed of vehicles.
Pick up and drop off points have to be designated for cars and buses. A dedicated drop off zone away from the parking area will help in improving traffic flow. The use of alternate routes in and out of school has to be encouraged so that all vehicles do not congregate in one location. School volunteers or staff can escort children from car to school. This will quicken the drop-off process.
Temporary parking spaces for pick-up and drop-off can be created by using sign-boards for peak hours only. Parking spaces near schools in urban areas can be very limited. Unless the school has a dedicated parking area it is extremely difficult to get parking slots near the school. City councils and district councils may be approached for additional space which might infringe into neighboring areas. Consent of neighbors is essential and hence a plan can be negotiated with them for utilizing the space only during school hours after which it will remain vacant for their use. High school children driving to school have to be given clear instructions and lessons on how to park in the areas assigned to them. 5. Traffic Conditions 
The timings of traffic lights in the area can be revised if necessary to suit the school period. This requires coordination with the local traffic authorities and the adjacent residential areas. Re-routing of streets will force drivers to seek alternative routes. ‘No entry’ or ‘One-way’ signs on roads leading to the school can divert traffic away from the school. Road humps can be installed to reduce the speed of vehicles.
