With the start of the 2026‑27 school year, traffic around California school campuses is expected to increase as parents drop off and pick up children, students ride bicycles, and extracurricular activities generate additional trips. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Caltrans have released a set of easy‑to‑remember safety reminders—referred to as the “ABCs”—to help keep students safe on the road.

Drivers: Protect the Vulnerable

Children walking, biking or riding scooters lack the protective structure of a vehicle, so motorists have a heightened duty to watch for them. OTS recommends drivers:

• Take time and stay patient, especially during peak school‑zone hours.
• Obey posted speed limits and reduce speed further when children are present.
• Exercise extra caution at crosswalks and intersections, looking for kids waiting to cross.
• Avoid any form of distraction—glances at a phone can have tragic outcomes.
• Never drive while impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue.
• Adjust driving for weather conditions such as rain, fog or darkness.
• When passing a bicyclist, give at least three feet of clearance and only overtake when it is safe.

Pedestrians: Take Charge of Your Safety

Adults and older students walking near schools also play a role in preventing accidents. Suggested practices include:

• Use sidewalks whenever they exist; if none are available, walk facing traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles.
• Cross only at marked crosswalks or signalized intersections.
• Look both ways before stepping into the street and make eye contact with drivers when possible.
• During low‑light conditions, wear bright or reflective clothing and carry a flashlight.
• Stay alert—avoid headphones or phone use while crossing busy streets.

Bicyclists: Stay Visible and Predictable

Young riders can reduce risk by following these guidelines:

• Plan routes that use bike paths or lanes separated from vehicle traffic.
• Equip bicycles with front and rear lights and reflectors.
• Wear a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing.
• Use standard hand signals to indicate turns, slowing or stopping.
• Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and remain aware of surrounding drivers.

E‑Bike Safety for Minors

Electric‑assist bicycles are becoming popular among teens, but their higher speeds demand extra caution. OTS highlights key points for parents and guardians:

• State and local ordinances often limit e‑bike use for minors or require a license.
• Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 on Class 1‑2 e‑bikes and for all riders on Class 3 e‑bikes.
• Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e‑bike.
• Only pedal‑assist models are permitted on public roads; throttle‑only devices may be classified as e‑motos and prohibited.
• Prefer bike lanes or legal paths and avoid high‑traffic streets when possible.
• Ride predictably, especially when turning, crossing streets, or riding in poor visibility.

Because regulations can differ by state and even by municipality, OTS advises families to contact local law‑enforcement or municipal offices for the most current rules.

Where to Learn More

For additional resources, printable flyers, and community outreach events, visit the GoSafelyCA.org website. The agency encourages schools, parent‑teacher associations and local civic groups to share the ABC guidelines and help create safer routes for every child.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.