Back-to-School Road Safety Tips for Drivers
August 15, 2016 | Filed under: News
I’m not sure if anybody is as ready for school to begin as I am. It will be nice to have our home back on a schedule and the the kids to bed at a decent hour. I’m not, however, looking forward to the added road traffic. Even the calmest driver can end up feeling frazzled and frustrated during the first few weeks of back-to-school. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you battle with back-to-school traffic.
1. Stay Alert
Even though it sounds like common sense, stay extra alert for the first few weeks after school begins. Traffic patterns will be changing and there is sure to be more pedestrian and bike traffic to deal with.
2. Allow Extra Drive Time
This is especially true if your route to work has school bus traffic. Getting stuck behind a school bus can throw a wrench in your morning drive. School buses make extra stops the first few weeks as their routes are being tweaked and students are getting accustomed to the schedule. In most cases, leaving for work or school 10 minutes early can make a hugely positive impact on your commute.
3. Watch Out for Walkers
More and more kids are walking to school these days. Most of them will be unsupervised. Kids, especially small kids, are unpredictable. Go slow in and around school zones. The four-block radius surrounding a school will have the heaviest foot traffic. Be especially mindful on roads where cars are parked as young kids can dart out at any moment.
4. Talk With Your Teen Driver
Back-to-school driving precautions need to be discussed with new teen drivers. For first time drivers, back-to-school traffic and distractions might prove to be a challenge. Being patient behind the wheel is important to remember, especially for teens. Remind them of how to handle school buses and traffic laws. Don’t assume your teen knows how to handle bus traffic, pedestrians or bike traffic. Encourage them to not run late or be rushed while driving.
Here are more back-to-school driving tips.