Summer is sizzling out and pretty soon it will be back-to-school for many of us. We will see that dreaded influx of traffic on the streets and around schools in the morning and afternoon. It's important we remain calm, slow down, and remain focused while driving around the town.

Here's a pop quiz to test your knowledge of traffic safety - back-to-school edition:

1) What is the speed limit around most schools in the City of San Mateo?

a) 10 mph

b) 15 mph

c) 20 mph

d) 25 mph

2) How many feet must you park AWAY from the approach side of a crosswalk?

a) Not in the red paint only. It's fair game otherwise.

b) Not in the red paint. 10 feet if there's no red paint.

c) Not in the red paint. 15 feet if there's no red paint.

d) Not in the red paint. 20 feet if there's no red paint.

3) You're on a typical two way street in San Mateo. When is it legal to pass a stopped school bus flashing with red lights?

a) After all the children have safely crossed the street.

b) If you slow down and yield to any pedestrians.

c) As long as you are driving in the opposite direction of the bus.

d) Only after the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is retracted.

4) What is the penalty if you fail to stop for a stopped school bus with flashing red lights?

a) 3 points

b) $1000 fine

c) suspension of driver's license for a year

d) a day in jail

5) Which of the following is a recommended practice for parents during morning drop-off?

a) Double-park briefly to let the child out quickly.

b) Have children exit the vehicle on the curbside only.

c) U-turn in the middle of the block after drop-off.

d) Let children out in the middle of the street if traffic is stopped.

Answers and explanations:

1) It's a trick question. It's both b) 15 mph and d) 25 mph. Within 500 feet of schools, the speed limit is 15 mph. Within 500-1,000 feet, the speed limit is 25 mph. Source: https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/4715/Slow-for-Students

2) This is in regards to California's AB413 Daylighting Law that has been in effect since Jan 1, 2025. The answer is d) Not in the red paint. 20 feet, if there's no red paint. 20 feet is about the length of 1 large car. The kicker is that the crosswalk doesn't have to be painted. Source: https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/4844/AB-413---Daylighting-Law

3) The answer is d) Only after the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is retracted. You always stop for a school bus with flashing red lights! You are exempt from stopping if you are the oncoming traffic side with a physically divided barrier or multi-lane highways (2+ lanes in each direction). Source: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road-cont1/

4) The penalty is hefty! The answer is both b) $1000 and c) suspension of driver's license for a year. Source: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road-cont1/

5) Even when you're crunched for time, b) Have children exit the vehicle on the curbside only. Our priority should be the safety of the children over making that work meeting on time. Give yourself an extra 5 or 10 minutes. Source: https://cottagegrove.smfcsd.net/for-parents/drop-off-pick-up

Whether you're driving, walking, or biking, have a safe back-to-school return!