As the summer winds down and the school year begins, parents in Rio Rancho are preparing their children for another academic year. However, alongside the excitement of new classes and school supplies, it’s crucial to prioritize safety—especially with the ongoing road construction projects around town. Sanchez and Piñon, your local injury attorneys in Rio Rancho, want to share essential tips to help keep your kids safe as they head back to school.
Be Aware of Local Road Construction
Rio Rancho is currently undergoing several major road construction projects that could impact your daily commute to school.
Unser Blvd Widening Construction: This project just got underway, which means traffic patterns on Unser Blvd could be more congested and unpredictable. Be sure to plan extra time for drop-offs and pick-ups.
Enchanted Hills Reconstruction Project: While this project has just wrapped up, there may still be some lingering construction activity or adjusted traffic signals. Stay alert to any temporary signs or changes in the area.
Northern Boulevard Reconstruction: This project is still in progress, creating potential detours and delays. Familiarize yourself with the affected routes and consider alternate paths to avoid frustration and potential hazards.
Understanding these roadworks can help you navigate more safely during school hours and reduce the risk of accidents.
Keep an Eye on Pedestrian Safety
With kids returning to school, the number of students walking to and from school will increase. It’s essential to be on high alert, especially in school zones and neighborhoods near schools. Here are some tips to ensure pedestrian safety:
- Slow Down in School Zones: Always reduce your speed when driving through school zones. This simple action can save lives and prevent accidents.
- Watch for Crossing Guards: Respect the directions given by crossing guards, who are there to help children cross streets safely.
- Be Cautious Around School Buses: Remember, one of the most critical laws in New Mexico is the requirement for drivers to stop for school buses when they are loading or unloading children, as outlined in NMSA 1978, Section 66-7-347. When a school bus displays flashing red lights and extends its stop arm, all vehicles in both directions must come to a complete stop, with the exception of divided highways where a physical barrier or median is present—only the traffic following the bus must stop. Violating this law carries significant penalties, including fines of up to $300 for a first offense and the possibility of points being added to the driver’s license. Subsequent offenses can result in increased fines, additional points, and even license suspension for habitual violators. If a violation results in injury to a child, the penalties become much more severe, potentially leading to criminal charges and longer license suspensions.
- Be Extra Cautious Near Crosswalks: Children may dart across the street unexpectedly, so always approach crosswalks slowly and be prepared to stop.
Talk to Your Kids About Road Safety
In addition to driving carefully, it’s important to educate your children on how to stay safe when walking or biking to school. Make sure they know the safest routes to take and understand the importance of staying on sidewalks or designated bike paths.
- Use Crosswalks: Teach your kids to always use designated crosswalks and to look both ways before crossing the street.
- Avoid Distractions: Remind your children not to use their phones or wear headphones while crossing the street. Staying alert is key to avoiding accidents.
- Wear Bright Clothing: Encourage your kids to wear bright or reflective clothing, especially on cloudy days or early in the morning, to increase their visibility to drivers.
Be Mindful of New and Inexperienced Drivers
With the start of the school year, there’s also an influx of new and inexperienced drivers on the road—particularly teenagers. Parents should remind their teenage drivers to:
- Follow Speed Limits: Speeding is a major cause of accidents, especially in school zones.
- Avoid Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or other distractions should be avoided at all costs.
- Be Patient: Road construction and increased traffic can lead to frustration, but it’s important to remain calm and patient behind the wheel.
Contact Sanchez and Piñon Today!
As Rio Rancho undergoes these significant road construction projects, keeping safety top of mind is more important than ever. By staying informed about local road conditions, being cautious around schools, and educating your children on pedestrian safety, you can help ensure a smooth and safe start to the school year. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, your local injury attorneys Sanchez and Piñon are here to help. Contact us today!