September 1, 2021
AgencyBack to School-Driving Safety
It is that time of year when children are returning to school, school buses are on the road and It’s Back to School time – which means it’s back to school buses on the roads & more pedestrians in school zones & neighborhoods. Here are some things that drivers and students should remember for Driving Safety!
- Always watch school buses for their flashing lights and blinking stop signs. Never drive past a bus with its safety lights on, even if you don’t see a child in the vicinity – there may be one at any second. It is illegal to pass a school bus from behind when it has its flashing yellow lights on. You must stop when the bus’ blinking stop sign is extended. Never drive past a bus with their safety lights flashing, even if you do not see a child in the vicinity-there may be one at any second.
- Heed warnings for school zones, and be alert for students suddenly walking into the roadway. Commute time for workers is often also commute time for students – stay alert, don’t drive distracted, and slow down.
- If you are a walking to work or school, also stay alert to your surroundings: Do not wear headphones that cancel out traffic noise, do not dribble or kick a ball while walking, and do not walk and text/email. Do use crosswalks and obey traffic signals indicating when it is safe to cross the street.
- Plan ahead: Give yourself extra time, especially when adjusting back to school-year schedules, which are often earlier than summer routines. Rushing only adds stress, which increases your level of distraction.