Safe Driving Tips for Back-To-School

August 31st, 2023 by
The summer is finally coming to a close, and that means it’s time for school to come back in session! If you have kids of your own, this is a busy and exciting time, but even if you’re not a parent, it’s still a time of year that requires some adjusting. Back-to-school means that there are going to be kids on the roads and on the sidewalks again, and it’s the responsibility of every driver to stay alert, follow the rules, and keep your local children safe. Here’s a few safety tips to keep in mind!

Check the Time

When you’re on the road during the day from September to June, it pays to be conscious of what time it is. Between about 7:00 am and 8:30 am are when most schools start, meaning there will be lots of kids out and about, and the same goes for the early afternoon between about 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm. These are times of the day where you should be paying especially close attention. Keep your eyes peeled, stay below the speed limit, and remember that kids can be unpredictable and dart out into roads without looking, so be ready for anything!

Stop for Buses

It is against the law in all states to pass a school bus that is stopped with its flashing lights on and its stop sign out. This is true if you’re behind a school bus on the road, but also if you’re on the other side of the road going in the opposite direction. This law was put in place to protect kids! Whether a bus is picking up or dropping off, it’s going to have kids running around it in all directions. Having traffic stopped helps prevent any accidents from occuring, so remember never to pass a bus with its lights on and stop sign out!

Skip the School Zone

In many towns, school buildings are located on main roads that get used a lot by commuters in the morning. If your route takes you past a school, you’ll have to pay very close attention during the school year, and you might end up getting slowed down by school traffic in the morning. Do some experimenting with the way you travel to work– you might find that it saves time and effort to avoid the school altogether and use another route at this time of year!

Obey the Crossing Guard

Stopping for crossing guards and following any directions they give you is crucial for the safety of everyone on the road during the school year. Make sure you’re always stopping for pedestrians in the crosswalk, especially if they’re accompanied by a crossing guard with a vest and sign. Don’t pass by until everyone, including the guard, has gotten back onto the sidewalk!

 

Following these rules and tips will help you to keep everyone on the road safe during the upcoming school year! Safe travels, and enjoy the autumn season!

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