BY MARY JANE FARMER

HERALD DEMOCRAT

Allstate Insurance offers school zone safe driving tips, and those include more than suggestions to slow down.

Compliance with the new state law regarding cell phone use is important. Even in the few seconds it may take to glance downward to find a ringing cell phone, a child can dash in front of your vehicle. It's basically against the law, effective Thursday, to talk on a cell phone while driving in a school zone unless using a hands-free device, such as a Blue Tooth, or unless the car is at a dead standstill and the gear placed in park.

Children walking between cars are often hard to see, of course depending on the height of the vehicles and the child. Slow speeds help with quick braking distance. Also, pedestrians' feet can be seen underneath the vehicle ahead of you as he crosses in front that car. Fewer surprises using that trick.

Be alert and patient around school buses and bus stops. Do not pass school buses in school zones, for safety's sake.

Pay attention to those people acting as crossing guards, and to the signs and instructions they use to keep children safe.

Allow extra time for the drive from home to school.