School Zone Accidents: What Every Rhode Island Driver Needs to Know

Ann Sheeley
Sep 4
4 min read

Drivers in Rhode Island must stop for school buses with flashing red lights, follow reduced school zone speed limits, and exercise extra caution around children walking or biking. Failure to do so can result in fines, license points, or liability for accidents.

⚠️ Why Are School Zones a High-Risk Area for Accidents?

Students Gather Near School Bus — Students gather near a school bus, highlighting the importance of adhering to school zone laws.

Back-to-school means congested roads, distracted students, and impatient drivers – a dangerous combination. According to the Transportation Research Board, approximately 25,000 children are injured, and over 100 killed annually while walking to or from school. Each year, nearly 13,000 people are injured in school bus–related accidents nationwide, according to the National Safety Council.

In Rhode Island, speed cameras and increased patrols aim to protect children, but safe driving behavior is the only way to prevent accidents and injuries. Sheeley Law is committed to keeping students safe. Below are FAQs, important information, and safety reminders that every Rhode Island driver should know:

Need immediate help? Call Sheeley Law 24/7 at (401) 619-5555 for a free consultation.

🛑 Rhode Island Laws Drivers Need to Follow

School Buses: Vehicles must stop when a bus has flashing red lights and an extended stop sign, even if you are driving on the opposite side of the street.
Speed Limits: Most school zones enforce a maximum of 20 mph during active hours. Going 11 mph or more over the limit can result in a $50 fine from a speed camera.
Distracted Driving: As a leading cause of accidents, Rhode Island enforces a comprehensive hands‑free law for all drivers, making it illegal to hold or operate a personal electronic device while driving. Important: this law even applies when your vehicle is stopped at a light or sign. Fines can reach up to $250.

✅ Safety Reminders for Parents and Students

Keep Your Distance. Busses make frequent stops. The more space between you and the bus, the more time you will have to stop once their lights start flashing.
Never Pass a Buss. It’s illegal to pass a bus from behind or from any direction, even if you on a road without line dividers.
Teach Crosswalk Rules: Children should always look left, right, and left again before crossing, even if there is a crossing guard directing traffic.
No Headphones or Phones: Earbuds and phones can block out sights and sounds. “Heads up, phones down” should be a rule that is drilled into every kid’s mind.
Bike Safety: If your child rides their bicycle to school, make sure they pay close attention, and their bicycle is in good condition with reflectors and inflated tires. Most importantly, make sure they are wearing a helmet. It’s the law in Rhode Island for children under 15.

⚖️ What To Do If Your Child involved in an Accident

Unfortunately, even with precautions, accidents still occur. If your child is injured in a school zone, or walking, riding a bicycle or involved in a school bus crash, it’s important to act quickly:

Contact the police and seek medical attention, even if your child does not appear to be injured.
Document the scene with photos and witness statements.
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in Rhode Island, such as Sheeley Law, to protect your rights and guide you through your options.

❓Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island School Zone Safety

Q: Do I have to stop for a school bus if I’m on the other side of the road?

A: Yes. In Rhode Island, all drivers must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign, regardless of which side of the road they are on, unless the road is divided by a barrier.

Q: What is the speed limit in Rhode Island school zones?

A: Most Rhode Island school zones have a posted speed limit of 20 mph during active hours. Speed cameras are often in operation from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, between August 15 and June 30.

Q: How much is the fine for speeding in a Rhode Island school zone?

A: Drivers caught going 11 mph or more over the speed limit in a school zone by a speed camera face a $50 fine. Additional penalties may apply if a police officer issues the ticket directly.

Q: Are speed cameras legal in Rhode Island?

A: Yes. Rhode Island law allows municipalities to use speed cameras, especially in school zones, to reduce speeding and protect children. Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, East Providence, and Central Falls all currently use them.

Q: What safety rules should parents teach their kids when walking to school?

A: Children should always use crosswalks, look both ways before crossing, avoid distractions like phones or headphones, and make sure drivers see them and are paying attention.

Q: What should I do if my child is injured in a school-zone accident?

A: Get immediate medical attention, document the scene with photos and witness information, and seek legal advice promptly. A personal injury lawyer will help you navigate the legal process, ensure your family’s rights are protected, and secure compensation and justice for your child’s injuries.

💬 Final Word of Advice from Sheeley Law

Back-to-school season should be a time of excitement and learning, not accidents and injuries. By following Rhode Island’s school zone and traffic laws and practicing extra caution, drivers, parents, and children can help prevent tragedies. If your family was involved in a school-related accident, Sheeley Law is here to help. Attorney Ann Sheeley has 30 years of experience protecting and fighting for accident victims, so they obtain maximum compensation for their losses and suffering.