Back-to-School Safe Driving Tips: Protect Our Kids!

August 31st, 2023 by
After a summer packed with fun, school is beginning again, and that means that soon the roads are going to be packed with cars and kids again as class comes back into session. Whether or not you have school-aged kids of your own, this is a time of year when all drivers need to be especially careful and alert to account for the sudden presence of kids on the road. During this period of adjustment after the summer months, there are a few safety tips that you should keep in mind while driving!

Be Conscious of Time

One of the most important things you can do on the road during the start of the school year is to be aware of what time of day it is as you’re driving. The morning hours between about 7:00 am and 8:30 am are prime times for school drop-offs in most areas, meaning there will be lots of traffic and lots of kids running around. The same goes for the early afternoon, usually between 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm depending on the school. If you’re on the road during these hours, be conscious of the fact that kids are around and you need to be extra alert!

Know School Bus Laws

When school buses are going to be on the road, it’s important to be aware of the laws surrounding them. It’s against the law to pass a school bus on either side of the road when it’s stopped, especially when it’s flashing its lights and has its stop sign out. This is because children could be running to or from the bus in any direction, so stopping traffic for a stopped bus helps to keep them safe!

Avoid School Zones

If your morning commute passes by a local school, it might not be a bad idea to reroute your path during the school year to avoid it. This has multiple potential benefits. Not only does it allow you to worry a little bit less about children on the streets and sidewalks, but it can help to prevent you from getting stuck in the traffic that always occurs around schools during morning drop-off as parents, pedestrians, and buses all converge on the same location.

Respect Crossing Guards

Crossing guards in the crosswalks are a common sight at this time of year, and it’s important to look out for them and to stop for them whenever you see them in the road. Where there is a crossing guard with a sign and a vest, a group of schoolchildren probably isn’t too far behind. Always obey their directions, and don’t pass by until both the crossing guard and the pedestrians are safely back on the sidewalk.

 

If you keep these rules in mind, you’ll have another year of safe driving ahead of you, and you’ll help to protect the children of your community!

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