Juneau Police Department Reminds Drivers to Slow Down and Stay Alert as School Resumes

With school back in session, the Juneau Police Department (JPD) reminds drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, students, and families to use extra caution as traffic increases throughout Juneau.

School buses, pedestrians, bicyclists, crossing guards, and students traveling to and from school can all contribute to increased roadway traffic and longer commute times. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time to reach their destinations, and avoid feeling rushed.

Stop for School Buses

Drivers should pay close attention to school buses displaying flashing red lights. Red flashing lights indicate that a school bus is stopped to pick up or drop off children.

Under Alaska law, when a school bus is stopped on a shared highway or vehicular way with its red lights flashing, drivers approaching from any direction must stop at least 30 feet from the bus. Drivers may not proceed until the school bus moves and the flashing red lights are no longer illuminated.

Depending on the circumstances, passing a school bus while its red lights are flashing may result in a Class B misdemeanor or an infraction.

Drivers should also treat a school bus's flashing yellow lights as a warning to slow down and prepare to stop.

Watch for Students and Crossing Guards

Children walking or biking to school are among the most vulnerable roadway users. Drivers should slow down and give students extra space and attention as they travel to and from school, particularly as daylight decreases and weather conditions begin to change.

Drivers should also watch for crossing guards who are actively entering crosswalks. Crossing guards may be wearing reflective gear and displaying raised stop signs to stop traffic and assist students in safely crossing the roadway.

School Zone Lights and Speed Limits

School-zone lights will generally be activated approximately one-half hour before and after school. In some areas, including Riverside Drive and Glacier Avenue, school-zone hours may be longer because of overlapping school start and dismissal times.

Drivers should pay close attention to posted school-zone speed-limit signs. School-zone speed limits vary by location, with some zones posted at 20 mph and others at 15 mph.

JPD encourages everyone traveling through Juneau's school zones to slow down, remain alert, and be prepared for changing traffic conditions.

Give yourself extra time. Slow down. Stay alert. Help Juneau's students get to and from school safely.