New York is a busy location comprising over eight million people. There are a lot of cars on the road but this isn’t the only form of transport out there. Many kids choose to walk to school with their friends. Others opt to jump on the bus.

It takes a while for children to develop road safety awareness, and the law in New York has attempted to account for this by implementing school zones. These are areas surrounding schools that have restrictions placed on them, usually from Monday to Friday during periods when children are making their way to and from school.

Not adhering to the law in school zones can have severe consequences. Outlined below are a few factors to consider.

Avoid Overtaking School Buses

An overwhelming majority of accidents involving school children occur when they are exiting a bus. For this reason, it is unlawful in all 50 states to pass a school bus on undivided roadways when children are departing.

Stick to the Speed Limit

Reduced speeds tend to be in operation in school zones. These are implemented to reduce the number of accidents and give drivers a chance to stop or slow down should a child run out in front of them. If you don’t adhere to these laws, then the legal penalties can be severe. Often, the courts will impose larger fines and penalties for speeding in school zones.

Being aware of school zones will not only help to keep you safe, but it will also save you from incurring fines and penalty points on your license. If you have received a traffic ticket, it’s possible that you might be able to contest it. Having legal guidance behind you will give you a better idea of your options.