ODOT Reminds Drivers to Slow Down as Oregon Students Return to School
ODOT reminds drivers that Oregon school zones are generally 20 mph and urges motorists to watch for students walking, biking or riding buses as classes resume.
As students across Oregon return to the classroom, drivers are being reminded to prepare for increased pedestrian, bicycle and school bus traffic around schools and residential neighborhoods.
The Oregon Department of Transportation says Oregon’s school-zone speed limit is generally 20 mph, although drivers must check posted signs to determine when the reduced limit applies.
Depending on the location, the 20 mph limit may be in effect when warning lights are flashing, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on school days or whenever children are present.
ODOT defines children as present when they are waiting at a crosswalk, occupying or walking within a crosswalk, or when a traffic patrol member is assisting children at the crossing. Drivers must stop and yield when children enter a crosswalk or when directed by a school crossing guard. They should remain stopped until the children have cleared the crossing.
Drivers should also be prepared to stop for school buses. Under Oregon law, motorists approaching a school bus from either direction must stop when its red safety lights are flashing. Vehicles must remain stopped until the lights are turned off.
The exception applies to drivers traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway separated by an unpaved median or physical barrier. A painted median or center turn lane does not create that exception.
ODOT encourages drivers to eliminate distractions and watch carefully for children walking, bicycling, using scooters or riding skateboards. Children may be traveling an unfamiliar route or may not accurately judge a vehicle’s speed or distance.
Families can also help by practicing the route to school with children, identifying safe crossing locations and reviewing basic walking and bicycling rules.
Oregon’s Safe Routes to School program works with communities to improve access around schools through projects such as sidewalks, bicycle lanes, crossings and flashing warning beacons. The program also provides safety education and other resources for students, families and schools.
More information about Oregon school zones and the state’s Safe Routes to School program is available through ODOT.
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