Back-to-school season inspires a lot of challenges. Students and parents have to rework their household schedules. Commuters must acclimate to the sudden influx of school buses and commuter traffic near local schools. They may also need to brace themselves for more teen drivers on the road.
Unfortunately, school-related traffic collisions are relatively common. Young drivers, students who walk to school, parents transporting their children and even drivers who don’t have children of their own may all benefit from embracing specific safety practices during the back-to-school season and throughout the school year.
What safety tips can reduce the likelihood of school-related car crashes?
1. Student safety tips
Students walking to school may find that taking a less direct route may be safer than walking along particularly busy roads or streets with higher speed limits. Students need to remember the importance of crossing at marked locations, ideally where there are professionals or volunteers present. Young drivers transporting themselves and their siblings to school are also at risk. They may need to prioritize staying focused, leaving enough time to drive safely and monitoring other drivers carefully in traffic.
2. Parent safety tips
When parents must transport their children to and from school, there are many opportunities for things to go wrong. The pickup and drop-off lines are very stressful locations. Many people do not follow the rules. As such, parents need to pay close attention, rather than letting distraction prevent them from focusing on safety. They need to keep an eye on other vehicles, as drivers may not yield as they should. Parents also need to consistently watch for student pedestrians, many of whom may run out into the road or cross parking lots without checking their surroundings first.
3. Driver safety tips
Ending up behind a school bus during the morning commute to work can be a very frustrating experience. Motorists should add a little extra time to their morning commute during the school year to account for the possibility of encountering a school bus. They also need to ensure that they follow safety rules if they intend to pass a school bus. Leaving adequate space and knowing not to pass a school bus with lights on or the stop sign extended is of the utmost importance. Drivers also need to take care during attempts to pass school buses, as they may have a hard time spotting oncoming traffic on a two-lane road.
If everyone focuses on safety, the chances of schoolchildren experiencing major crashes could drop significantly. Reviewing safety practices and watching traffic carefully can help people avoid life-altering car wrecks. People may also need a plan for handling the aftermath of a motor vehicle collision. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to get started.