Back to School Safety Tips for Drivers!
Unbelievably, the school year is officially underway once again.
And while our children are brushing up on their geography and learning new language art skills, there is plenty for us adults to learn as well, like why we should never go around a stopped school bus, or how to properly navigate through the student drop-off and pickup lane.
This time of year, more than ever, it is imperative for drivers to slow down and keep an eye out for children around schools and their neighborhoods.
Whether you are dropping off your children yourself, or just driving through a school zone on your way to work, please keep these driving tips in mind as kids head back into the classroom for the new year.
For All Drivers:
- Be Prepared for Traffic: Unfortunately, drop-off and pickup times coincide with peak commute times, which can cause quite a hectic scene early in the morning. The best advice would be to factor this into your commute and morning routine. Try to leave early to avoid traffic jams and watch out for other cars, buses, pedestrians, and bikers.
- Always Stay Alert: It is incredibly important to avoid distractions while driving, such as using your cell phone or any other electronic device(s). This is even more important in areas that are pedestrian-heavy, like schools, parks, and residential areas.
- Never Pass a Stopped Bus: It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a bus that is stopped to either load or unload passengers. If you see a flashing yellow light, or a flashing red light on a school bus, it is crucial that you stop – as all traffic should.
- Leave Space for Buses: The 10 feet that surround a school bus are where children are most likely to get hurt. If your vehicle is positioned behind a school bus, leave more room than you would for another car – this provides ample space for children and allows the bus to make a complete stop. If you are approaching a bus, allow at least 10-20 feet for the children to cross the street in front of you.
- Watch for Crossing Guards: They are usually quite easy to spot – with their neon vests, signs, and traffic cones. Crossing guards and patrol officers are essential in helping children cross high-traffic roadways safely, so make sure to always yield to their instructions.
- Drive Slow in School Zones: Most people are already aware of the flashing yellow lights and the posted speed limit signs indicating that they are inside of a school zone, but it is also important to be cautious after hours, as children and their parents may be leaving a school after sports or band practice. Also, keep in mind, speeding fines are typically increased in school zones.
It is illegal for other vehicles to pass the school bus, while students are getting on or off the school bus.
For Drop-off and Pickup:
- Do Not Double Park: All parents are eager to get in and out when it comes to picking up and dropping off their children at school. However, double parking can block visibility for other children and parents and sadly lead to accidents.
- Follow the Flow: If you are in a rush, it might be tempting to drop your children off across the street or in a location that is not the designated drop-off zone. This can be incredibly dangerous as it causes them to have to cross roads on their own at peak traffic times. Use the designated areas the school provides to ensure safety.
- Carpool with Other Families: To make it easier for you and your significant other, try to share driving duties with other local families in your area. This can reduce the number vehicles on the road and will also help alleviate potential traffic jams.
The bottom line is that it is important to speak to your children about transportation safety, but it is even more important that you set an example and practice it on your own.
Check to make sure everyone in your household understands the basics of traveling to and from school, and make sure to drill down on things that are routine, like looking both ways.
Teachers can also be great resources to children when looking to provide safety tips in an age-appropriate way.
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