The close of summer can often mean more road time for you and your family, as kids head back to school and fall sports and activities kick into gear. Don’t let a busy schedule make you less cautious, though! Put these tips into practice to keep you and your family safe.
Use seat belts at all times
Rushing to get ready for school can often mean cutting corners, including hurrying your children into the car without stopping to make sure everyone is buckled in. Don’t skip this small, significant safety step! Taking the time to buckle up keeps your kids safe–definitely a good reason to be late to school!
Slow down at school crossings
During the summer, we tend to form the bad habit of ignoring school zones (there are typically summer activities at schools, so this isn’t smart.) But respecting “slow down – school zone” signs is particularly dangerous once school starts again. Obey the posted speed limit signs and drive slowly through the school zone.
Be on the lookout for pedestrians and school buses
With kids getting off and on buses and walking to and from bus stops, it’s important to keep an eye out for pedestrians. Slow down and give them the right of way if need be.
Don’t forget to respect school buses! Here are some of the most important school bus and road safety rules, according to the National Safety Council:
- Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children
- If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop
- The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus
- Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks
As school starts up again, it’s important to stay alert, follow the rules of the road, and be prepared to stop or slow down for school children. Who’s ready to earn an A+ for back to school road safety?