It's just my opinion, but if fines are doubled in construction zones, a driver should lose his or her license for breaking the laws posted for driving in school zones and around school busses. These laws are designed to protect children and should be taken seriously by every driver. Even law-abiding drivers can go above and beyond the laws in order to ensure the safety of the kids.
      The roads around schools sometimes, but not always, have two speed limits. When the school is closed, the speed limit can be higher and only limited by the posted speed and the road conditions. While the school is open, especially at the times when children are going to or leaving school, some zones are posted at 15 mph. Going slower allows for a quicker reaction time if a child runs into the road. But this doesn't mean you have to drive that fast. If there are cars parked along the road which block your view of children on the sidewalks, it's better to drive even slower. This also applies to areas where there are trees or shrubs blocking your view. No matter how many times kids are told to look both ways before crossing a road and to cross only at street corners, they don't always do so.
      Crossing guards may or may not be posted at each road the children have to cross. If they are, stop when they signal you to stop. Even if they're not employed by the police department, they have the same authority to stop and direct traffic as long as they're helping children across the road. Whether or not the crossing guard is present, you must stop for pedestrians as long as they're within the crosswalk. Just because they're out of your lane of traffic doesn't mean you're clear to drive. Remain stopped until the person is on the sidewalk. When it's children who have crossed, keep part of your attention on them when you start to move. Kids often do the unexpected and one or more might decide to run back across the road in front of you.
      Most states have laws stating you must stop when a school bus is stopped and the red lights are flashing. If possible, leave at least one or two car lengths between you and the bus. Doing so gives you a better view of what's happening around the bus. Once the driver turns off the lights and the bus starts moving, you still have to pay some attention to the children. It can't be said enough . . . some kids will run across the road in front of you. If the bus stop in town, you also have to be aware of the posted school zones and crosswalks. Along rural routes, extra caution must be taken if the children are dropped in an area without sidewalks and they must walk along the shoulder of the road and so are closer to the traffic.
      Although speed limits posted around playgrounds and other places children gather might be the same as other areas of that roadway, I think all drivers should take the same care driving as if it were a school zone. Slow down, keep part of your attention on the children, and be prepared for anything.