Slow Down: Back to School Means Sharing the Road

The end of summer vacation comes too quickly for most of us. With vacations wrapping up and an influx of traffic, September brings a change in driving patterns and a return to school zone rules of the road.

College students are packing up their cars to head back to campus, and parents are driving their kids to and from school. The increase in traffic congestion and distracted driving can lead to potentially dangerous road conditions and contribute to auto accidents.

6 Tips to Stay Safe on the Roads this School Year:

1. Avoid Distracted Driving. When the entire family is traveling in the car, the potential for distraction is multiplied. Young drivers are prone to distracted driving, especially with the temptation of handheld technology. Keep the phone out of sight and NEVER text while driving.                                                                        
2. Respect the Big Yellow Bus. Imagine being in a large vehicle with 40 noisy 6th-graders. Put yourself in the bus driver’s shoes. Do your part and make the driver’s job easier. Yield when they are attempting to merge. Maintain a significant distance behind buses as they often make unexpected stops. Make sure children know never to walk behind buses.
3. Watch out for Pedestrians. Back-to-school season means kids walking to class and more bicycles on the road, especially in residential areas close to schools. 
4. Wear Seat Belts. Seat belts save lives and help to prevent injuries. Make sure all children are correctly buckled in the proper car or booster seats. Additionally, secure pets in the back of the car.
5. Plan and Allow Extra Travel Time. With more vehicles on the roads, there is more potential for dangerous accidents. Be patient, allow extra travel time just in case.
6. Be Wary of New Drivers. A new school year brings a surge of newly-licensed teen drivers on the roads, in addition to inexperienced college students with only a couple of years driving under their belt. Be mindful and cautious of new drivers.
   

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While we normally associate the beginning of the school year with more traffic in school zone areas, it’s also important to keep in mind the increase of traffic on highways and roads as well. In September, commute times typically rise due to commuting students and parents dropping off children at schools.
 
By exercising a little extra care and caution, and keeping these facts in mind, we can all keep ourselves and families safe.