The Federal Highway Administration has released an updated national traffic safety manual that urges school districts to develop route plans that develop uniformity in the use of traffic controls that are understood by motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians alike.

The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) contains guidance that all school walk zones should be planned to take advantage of existing traffic controls. When requiring children to walk longer distances to a crossing with an existing traffic control, schools should first determine the availability of adequate sidewaks or other pedestrian walkways, the number of students using the crossing, the ages of the students and total extra walking distance. This could also have an effect on students as they walk to or from bus stops located near school zones.

The MUTCD also contains new guidance on the design and placement of signs and placards denoting upcoming school bus stops or school bus turn around lanes. The school bus stop design shows the outline of a school bus with stop arm extended and amber lights flashing.

Other sections of note to school transporters is updated guidance on traffic control for railroad and light rail transit crossings and changes in bike lanes.