Rural schools need traffic safety as well

It is easy to forget that school traffic safety zones exist in our rural area, but the steps being taken this week to improve safety at Hope Elementary School are a good reminder.
Today, workers with the Tulare County Resource Management Agency will be installing two school zone speed limit signs with radar vehicle speed feedback. Workers will also install two school crosswalk signs and paint the crosswalk.

Hope School, like several other small rural schools in the county, sits along side a busy street. Drivers are not always aware of the school and often drive by too fast and are not paying as much attention as they would in a city. However, traffic safety is just as important in and around our rural school locations. Also, traffic in the rural areas often includes large trucks, adding to the danger.

Rural schools can be found all over the county. Rockford School is located along Road 208, a well-traveled north-south route, and Sunnyside School west of Strathmore also sits along side of a busy county roadway, Avenue 196. Ducor Union Elementary is along Avenue 56
Traffic laws in those rural areas are the same as for city schools. When children are present, the speed limit is 25 mph immediately in front of the school and 30 mph on approach. And, of course, drivers must stop if children are attempting to cross the roadway.
We commend the county for the improvements being made at Hope School and planned traffic safety improvements at other local schools, including John J. Doyle Elementary School in East Porterville.

We also encourage drivers to be aware of these rural schools and the children that attend them, as well as the staff and parents who drop off and pick up their children every day. Slow down and obey all traffic laws. The new signs will help, but it is still up to drivers to ensure safety at all school sites.