Get Back to School Safely with Back-to-School Safety
AAA shares tips for drivers and pedestrians to navigate school zones safely
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (August 18, 2025) - With students returning to the classroom for the 2025-2026 school year, California roads will see an increase in traffic around school campuses. Back-to-school transportation not only affects students and parents, but other motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. To ensure a safe return to the classroom AAA is sharing tips on how to navigate school zones safely.
“A new school year brings new roadway challenges,” says Doug Johnson, spokesperson with AAA Mountain West Group. “Drivers must be mindful of reduced speed limits in school zones and be prepared to share the road with school buses, bicyclists, and students. It’s important that everyone, drivers and pedestrians, remain alert and follow basic precautions.”
AAA encourages drivers to follow these road safety tips:
- Don’t pass a stopped bus. In California, drivers are required to obey school bus signals. Failure to obey bus signals can result in fines up to $1,000 and your driving privileges could be suspended up to a year.
- Speeding in school zones will cost you. Speed limits around California school zones are set between 15 mph to 25 mph and are strictly enforced by local law enforcement.
- Put the phone down. Distracted driving remains the number one cause of motor vehicle accidents involving a pedestrian.
AAA shares the following precautions for pedestrians:
- Cross only at designated crosswalks, never cross between parked cars or mid-block.
- Use caution, remain alert and look both ways when crossing. Don’t assume that because you can see the driver, the driver can see you. Always look and listen for cars, pedestrians and bicyclists.
- When using a crosswalk push-button, cross only when the signal allows and always watch for cars turning left or right.
“Taking your time and being aware of your surroundings can save a life,” Johnson says. “For drivers that means following basic road safety rules to ensure students get to school safely. For pedestrians it’s important to stay alert and utilize crosswalks.”
AAA has proudly sponsored and aided AAA School Safety Patrol programs as a community service in the interest of schoolchildren safety. To learn more about the program and get free resources and other offerings visit: AAA School Safety Patrol.
About AAA Mountain West Group
AAA Mountain West Group is a membership and full-service leisure travel organization, proudly serving over 6.7 million Members across Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. AAA delivers unmatched expertise and value through roadside assistance and electric vehicle (EV) resources, along with comprehensive auto repair, travel, insurance, financial, and home security services. Powered by 5,300 dedicated Team Members, AAA is on a mission to revolutionize solutions that help our Members.