What should drivers do if they see a school zone sign?

When drivers see a school zone sign, the appropriate course of action is to watch for children and reduce speed. School zones indicate areas where children are likely to be crossing the street or in close proximity to the road, particularly during school hours. Reducing speed enhances the driver’s ability to observe and react to any unexpected behaviors from children, who may not always be aware of traffic rules. Slower speeds provide greater stopping distances and reduce the severity of accidents should they occur, significantly decreasing the risk of injury to children.

In these areas, increased vigilance is essential as many children may suddenly appear or cross the road without warning, making it critical for drivers to be prepared to stop or slow down promptly. The presence of school zone signs also typically signifies specific speed limits that must be observed during certain times of the day, underlining the importance of caution and attentiveness in these settings.