As summer winds down, school zones fill up with buses, parents, pedestrians, cyclists, and teens who’ve just gotten their driver’s license. If there was ever an ideal time brush up on driving safety, this is it! Because only a few moments of care can effect a big change, in this article, we’ll review some helpful school zone driving tips to help keep everyone safe this school year.
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Safety Tips for Back-to-School Driving
Slow Down
Perhaps the easiest and most practical of all, slowing down can make all the difference. School zones are unpredictable, with kids crossing the street, snaking between parked cars, or running out into a roadway.
Remember to:
- Stay within the posted school-zone speed limit.
- Slow your speed before entering the school zone.
- Keep aware of crossing guards and pedestrians.
- Give yourself more time to allow for traffic.
- Skip rushing to make up for lost time.
Adhering to legal speed limits is particularly important in areas where children are present, whether they are on foot or biking.
Be Mindful of School Bus Lights
One of the most crucial back-to-school driving tips is understanding the importance of stopping for a school bus. When a school bus flashes its yellow lights, drivers must slow down and be ready to stop. When a bus is stopped and is flashing its red lights with its stop arm out, drivers should stop and wait until these signals have ended.
The last thing drivers should ever do is try to swerve around a bus that is about to stop. Know that at any moment, a child could be crossing the road or heading toward the bus from somewhere you can’t see. Be patient, and wait for the bus to collect or drop off and shut off its stop indicators, and then you are free to drive.
Lose the Phone
Distracted driving is never a good idea. But especially when in school zones, keep your phone out of reach and save the texting for later. The same goes for fiddling with navigation or other distractions.
If you must make an urgent call or check directions, find a safe spot and pull over. Keep your eyes and attention on the road to allow for the best response to pedestrians, bicyclists, buses, and unexpected traffic events.
Look Out for Walkers and Cyclists
Back to school and school zones often bring more pedestrians and cyclists around residential streets and bus stops.
Watch for:
- Kids crossing crosswalks.
- Children walking or cycling along the road.
- Bicyclists entering intersections.
- Kids getting into or out of parked vehicles.
- Walkers who might be difficult to spot in low-light conditions.
Give a healthy amount of space to cyclists and stay ready for children to make sudden movements.
Give Yourself More Time
The easiest way to keep your driving calm is to leave earlier. This can help avoid rushed or aggressive driving. Back-to-school often translates to increased traffic, more buses, and higher pedestrian activity. Allowing for extra time in your schedule can make a big difference when it comes to remaining calm, patient, focused, and safe.
Final Thoughts
Here at eTags, we know that safe back-to-school driving involves slowing down, staying alert, obeying traffic laws, and expecting the unexpected. Whether you’re just passing through a school zone, waiting for a stopped school bus, or partaking in a busy drop-off situation, keep in mind that safety is always more important than speed. And a little extra patience can mean a better school commute for everyone.
