Safety Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
School Safety Information
This page includes answers to technical questions about the school maps and general questions about the school safety program at DOT. If your question is not answered here, please contact DOT.
Q: How can I get a list of school names in the School Name drop down?
A: Select a Borough and School Type from the list. It then automatically populates the list of school names specific to that borough and the selected school type. The list is sorted so that schools with a prefix (ie: PS, IS) are sorted first, followed by an alphabetic sort of schools with only a name.
Q: How do I search for all schools?
A: Select a Borough and School Type from the drop down list and "--Any--" from School Name drop down list and click on "search" button. It displays the list of school names, address and map link in a table.
Q: Can I sort the list in alphabetical order?
A: Yes you can sort the list on School Name, Prefix, Number, Suffix or School Address. Click on Column Header to sort.
Q: What will the Reset button do?
A: It resets the form to default values.
Q: Why does it say “No Map Available” for my school?
A: “No Map Available” indicates that at this time, that particular school is not part of this program. DOT’s program consists of all public and private elementary and middle schools with enrollments of more than 250 students. The initial program started with the larger schools and schools with younger children to provide substantial benefits to a large majority of the school-aged population. High schools are now being introduced in the program.
Q: Why does it say “Map Temporarily Unavailable” for my school?
A: “Map Temporarily Unavailable” means that the school is part of the program, but the map is currently undergoing changes and is not available. Every effort will be made to make the map available as quickly as possible.
Q: Why are there no speed reducers in the vicinity of my school?
A: School crosswalks are installed along primary routes to schools at crossings that are suited for use by school children.
Q: Are all school crosswalks shown on the map for all of the schools, or just the specific school that was selected?
A: All of the known school crosswalks appear on the map for both the specific school selected as well as the other schools that are located nearby. There are other pedestrian crosswalks that exist at intersections that are not marked because they are not “school crosswalks”.
Q: Why are some crosswalks designated as “school crosswalks”?
A: School crosswalks are installed in school zones where school children are recommended to cross. The stripes make the crosswalks more visible to drivers making them more alert when approaching these crosswalks.
Q: Are school crosswalks the safest places to cross?
A: Drivers expect to see people crossing at school crosswalks, so they should be prepared to watch for pedestrians. School crossings have “SCHOOL X-ING” roadway markings painted on the pavement in advance of the crosswalk as well as distinctive warning signs to make drivers more alert for children walking. Because school crosswalks are more visible, we believe that they make those intersections safer. However, it’s always important to stop at the curb and look and listen for on-coming traffic before crossing, even if the WALK signal is in your favor.
Q: Are there other intersections that have some form of traffic control other than what is shown on the map?
A: Yes, virtually all intersections in NYC benefit from traffic control devices (ie: stop sign, traffic signal, yield sign, all way stop). This map only shows the locations of traffic signals and all way stop signs.
Q: Why aren't there traffic signals at each intersection adjacent to the school?
A: Traffic signals are installed where warranted based on crash history, traffic activity and pedestrian volume.
Q:Why can't the speed limit be lowered at the school?
A: The speed limit in the City, unless otherwise posted, is 30 MPH. This is generally considered to be a safe speed for operating a vehicle on City streets. Lowering the speed limit raises compliance issues where some motorists obey the lower speed limit and some don't. This makes the streets less safe.
Q: What does it mean if there is no street name or direction on a street on the map?
A: Some of the unmarked streets may be new additions to the City street network and will be updated in future additions of the map. Others may be driveways, alleys, or private streets.
Q: How can I decide what the best route to school is for my child?
A: Check the map for your child’s school to select your route. Walk with your child along the route to help them get familiar with it, and talk about why it may be safer to cross at some corners than others (for example, traffic and pedestrian signals are present). Model safe behavior for your child by being sure to stop, look and listen before crossing, and continuing to scan for turning vehicles while crossing.
Q: Is this map useful just for walking to school? How else can this map be used?
A: In addition to determining your route to school, the map can also be used to talk to your child about other tools your child will find in the traffic environment – traffic signals, pedestrian signals, crosswalks -- that can help him or her be a safer pedestrian. You can also use it to sharpen your child’s map skills by working together to add to the map neighborhood facilities such as the playground, library, or church and personal landmarks such as Grandma’s house or a friend’s apartment.
Q: I believe some of the information on the map is not correct. Can it be corrected?
A: Every attempt has been made to provide complete and accurate information that is updated regularly. The City's streets are constantly changing and it is not always possible to present information without error. If you believe some information on the map is not correct, please contact us and we will investigate the condition.
Q: How do I get help if I need more information or have trouble with this map?
A: You can contact DOT by mail, by phone or by email.
Q: I tried to print a map but nothing prints. Is there something special I have to do to print the map?
A: Because the map is opened in Adobe Acrobat, you must use the print icon from the Adobe tool bar rather then the print commands or the printer icon that show on the toolbar at the top of your page.