School routes and areas around schools require extra attention. The traffic pattern is dominated by children with unpredictable behavior, many crossings and lots of stopping/parking in short time windows.
Risk profile in school areas
| Risk | Examples | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Unpredictable behavior | Running children, cycling between cars | Low speed, foot ready over brake, gaze far ahead |
| Many crossings | Crosswalks, unregulated crossing between cars | Increase distance, cover brake, prioritize vulnerable road users |
| Chaotic stopping/parking | Door zone, reversing, short stops | Avoid overtaking, maintain lane, distance from doors |
Read relevant rules in Speed limits and Pedestrian zone and residential streets. For children as road users, see Road user groups and considerations.
Speed and positioning
| Situation | Recommended speed | Positioning |
|---|---|---|
| Outside school hours | Adapted to visibility/conditions | Centered in right lane |
| Drop-off/pick-up (07–09/13–16) | 20–30 km/h | Further to the right, larger margins |
| At bus stop | 20–30 km/h | Pass with large distance, ready to stop |
See also Speed and distance. For positioning technique, read Positioning and driving technique.
Crossing and crosswalks
| Scenario | What you do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Children near crosswalk | Reduce speed early, be ready to stop | Unpredictable start/stop |
| Crossing between cars | Avoid overtaking, increase distance to parked cars | Door opening and hidden children |
| School guard/police | Follow directions, don’t pass | Safety for larger groups |
For signs and signals, see Signals vs signs in traffic.
Stopping and parking near schools
| Action | Advice |
|---|---|
| Short stop | Use designated zone, don’t stop in driving lane |
| Door opening | Use right door toward sidewalk, teach children safe exit |
| Reversing | Avoid reversing where children move; see Reversing and children |
For comprehensive parking rules, see City driving: stopping and parking.
Checklist during rush hour
- Plan route and time to avoid the heaviest traffic
- Clear windshield and mirrors for maximum visibility
- Set correct lights in poor visibility; see Use of lights and signals
- Maintain 2–3 second time gap, and more in rain/snow
- Don’t overtake in areas with high child density
Equipment in the car that helps
| Equipment | Why | See also |
|---|---|---|
| Hazard lights | Increases visibility during emergency stops | Motorway driving |
| Reversing camera/sensors | Detect low objects/children | Reversing camera and sensors |
| Dashcam | Documentation during incidents | Dashcam and privacy |
Summary
In school areas you prioritize low speed, large distance and clear communication. Avoid overtaking, be prepared for sudden crossings and use technical aids as support, not as the final answer.