What is the main precaution when driving near children or in school zones?

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When driving near children or in school zones, your primary job is to slow down, stay alert for kids, and follow posted reduced speed limits and any crossing-guard directions. Slower speeds give you more time to notice a child who might dart into the roadway and reduce the severity of any crash that could occur. Crossing guards exist to pause traffic and let children cross safely, so following their signals is crucial. Even when a guard isn’t present, the reduced speed limits in these areas are in place for protection during school hours and should be obeyed.

Rushing through a school zone by speeding up endangers children and shows a disregard for the environment that requires extra caution. Honking to warn children can startle them and lead to unpredictable moves. Ignoring reduced speed limits when no guard is present still puts kids at risk, because they can be nearby or cross unexpectedly.