With the first week of school under way, I would like to continue with school safety.
MVC 257.613d, Failure to stop for school crossing guard holding stop sign in upright position; misdemeanor; presumption, states (1) a driver of a motor vehicle who fails to stop when a school crossing guard is in a school crossing and is holding a stop sign in an upright position visible to approaching vehicular traffic is guilty of a misdemeanor. (2) In a proceeding for a violation of this section, proof that the particular vehicle described in the citation, complaint or warrant was used in the violation, together with proof that the defendant named in the citation complaint or warrant was the registered owner of the vehicle at the time of the violation, constitutes in evidence a presumption that the registered owner of the vehicle was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the violation. I would also like to remind people walking or riding to school of some safety tips and laws.
Bicycles:
• MVC 257.660(1) states: “A person operating a bicycle…upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction”
• MVC 257.660(2) states: “A person riding a bicycle…upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on a path or part of a roadway set aside for the exclusive use of those vehicles.
• MVC 257.657 states: “Each person riding a bicycle…upon a roadway has all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle…” Basically, when on the road, bicyclists shall follow all traffic laws the same as vehicles.
Pedestrians:
• When pedestrians are walking (or running), a sidewalk shall be used when available. MVC 257.655(1) states “…Where sidewalks are not provided, pedestrians shall, when practicable, walk (run) on the left side of the highway facing traffic which passes nearest.”
Students are reminded to watch for traffic and to obey these laws for their safety. In the early morning hours, drivers may not be able to see the bicycles or pedestrians. Be safe and enjoy the school year.