Pickup time at the Bronxville School. Photo by N. Bower

By Staff

June 2, 2022: If you have lived in Bronxville for even a short time, you've undoubtedly seen the long lines of cars and students at pick-up time at the Bronxville School.

These lines form on Midland Avenue, Pondfield Road, and Meadow Avenue at the end of the school day as students stream out of the school, walk along sidewalks, get into cars, and cross at various intersections as they head home or on to their next activity.

In light of all this activity, we thought it would be helpful to provide tips for pedestrians and drivers to keep everyone safe when crossing the street both in the day and evening. These tips are from the NY State website.

TIPS FOR PEDESTRIANS

Be safe and be seen: Make yourself visible to drivers.

-Wear clothing and accessories that incorporate retro-reflective materials when walking at night or during other low-light situations, such as rainy or foggy weather.

-Carry a flashlight when walking at night.

-Cross the street only in well-lit areas at night.

-When crossing the street, make eye contact with drivers to be sure they see you.

-Never begin crossing in front of a parked vehicle.

Be smart and alert: Avoid dangerous behaviors

-Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.

-Stay sober; walking while impaired increases your chance of being struck.

-Don't assume a vehicle will stop; make eye contact with the driver and don't just look at the vehicle. If a driver is on a cell phone or texting, he or she may not be paying enough attention to drive safely.

-Don't rely solely on pedestrian signals; scan for approaching vehicles before you cross the road.

-Be alert to engine noise or backup lights on cars when in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces.

Be careful at crossings: Look before you step

-Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections, if possible.

-Obey pedestrian traffic signals such as WALK/DON'T WALK signs.

-Look left, right, and left again before crossing a street.

-Watch for turning vehicles; make sure the driver sees you and will stop for you.

-Look across ALL lanes you must cross and visually clear each lane before proceeding. Just because you see one motorist stop, do not presume drivers in other lanes can see you and will stop for you.

-Don't wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while crossing the street.

TIPS FOR DRIVERS

Be alert: Watch for pedestrians at all times

-Scan the road and the sides of the road ahead for pedestrians.

-Before making a turn, look in all directions for pedestrians crossing.

-Don't drive after consuming alcohol or other drugs.

-Do not use your cell phone or text while driving.

-Look carefully behind your vehicle for approaching pedestrians, especially small children, before backing up.

-For maximum visibility, keep your windshield clean and headlights on.

Be responsible: Yield to pedestrians at crossings

-Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked.

-Yield to pedestrians when making right or left turns at intersections.

-Do not block or park in crosswalks.

-Always stop for a school bus with flashing red lights.

Be patient: Drive the speed limit and avoid aggressive maneuvers

-Never pass or overtake a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.

-Obey speed limits and come to a complete stop at STOP signs.

-Use extra caution when driving near children playing along the street or older pedestrians who may not see or hear you.

-Always be prepared to stop for pedestrians.