Driving When School is in Session
School is in session for 9 out of 12 months each year. During that time, there’s more school buses, more children and more traffic on the road. If you’re on the road too, driving to or from work or for any other reason, you need to pay very close attention to your surroundings, even if you don’t have children.
Here are a few tips to make the daily journey safer for everyone.
Allow yourself more time
More congestion and more bus stops mean your travel time will be slower and longer. So allow yourself more time to reach your destination on time—and safely.
Know the law
State laws vary on what drivers are supposed to do while school busses are loading and unloading passengers. To avoid a ticket and an accident, know the laws pertaining to the roads you travel. Depending of the side of the street and the type of road on which the bus is stopped with red lights flashing, drivers on the opposite side may or may not have to stop. However, drivers are never allowed to pass a bus that’s flashing its red lights and should never pass on the right side of a bus.
Slow zones
You’ll usually have to slow way down when driving around a school or at intersections with posted crossing guards. Failure to maintain a safe speed (about 15 mph) in such designated areas may result in a ticket and an unfortunate accident.
Teach safety year-round
Kids are kids and they aren’t necessarily safer just because they’re older. They need constant reminders of what is and is not acceptable when they’re on and around school busses, when walking or riding their bikes to and from school, and while waiting to be dropped off or picked up in a car. They also need to know how to get help when needed.
Benefit from Drivers Education
Luckily teenage drivers must complete a Driver’s Education course before getting their driving permits/licenses. The course teaches invaluable driving and practical skills. These lessons enable the new driver in your household to be better equipped to handle and respond to the countless driving situations he or she may encounter.
For more driving safety tips, check out the other articles in our library.
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