When must a driver slow down in a school zone?

A driver must slow down in a school zone on school days between 7 AM and 4 PM when children are present to ensure the safety of students who are arriving at or leaving from school. This time frame is specifically established to maximize safety during peak hours when children are likely to be crossing streets, walking, or biking to school. The law emphasizes the importance of being cautious in these areas, as young children may not be as aware of their surroundings or might act unpredictably.

While the other options may seem plausible, they do not align with the regulations intended to protect children's safety. For example, slowing down during summer vacation isn't necessary because schools are not in session, so children are not present in the same context. Additionally, waiting to slow down only after seeing children can lead to dangerous situations, as it may not allow sufficient reaction time to prevent accidents. Lastly, the idea of slowing down whenever a driver feels it is necessary is too subjective and does not provide the clear rules needed in school zones to ensure consistent safety measures for all drivers.