Kids are going back to school soon! Unfortunately, that means stopping behind big school buses and slowing down next to schools. You may be out of practice after the summer, so it is an excellent time to brush up on your school-time driving technique. Beat the congestion and avoid confusion with these critical tips for the road.
Watch Out for Little Ones
Now that school is in session, you must remain extra alert for small children in the crosswalk. One study found that children younger than 16 are most likely to be struck by motor vehicles. Slow down and drive defensively. Obey all school patrol officers and any signs on the road. When flashers are blinking in a school zone, stop and yield to pedestrians in the intersection. In general, take extra care to look around areas with children, like school zones, playgrounds, parks, and all residential areas. Children can be unpredictable and risky when they aren’t used to obeying all road hazards on their own.
Driving with School Buses
Take more excellent care when driving near a school bus. Give a greater following distance than other cars. The area 10 feet around the school bus is the most dangerous for children. This distance gives them space to enter and exit the bus as needed safely. This strategy will also give you plenty of time to stop when the yellow flashers come on. Once the bus has stopped on the road and extended its stop sign, you must stop. Never pass a school bus that has stopped because you run the risk of hitting children that are being loaded or unloaded.
Dropping Off or Picking Up Kids
When dropping off or picking up children, follow the school’s rules. Each school creates its system with efficiency and safety in mind. Know their procedure for the protection of your kids. Some rules apply to all school zones; do not double park. Do not load or unload kids across the street from the school. If you can carpool, that is best to reduce parking lot traffic and ensure the safety of the children.
These rules should keep you and your car safe, but if you knock into another vehicle in the parking lot, do not worry. Performance Collision Centers has you covered! We offer all collision services, including collision repair, fender repair, auto dent removal, and more. Talk to one of our Gold-Class certified technicians to see how we can help you today. Get your free estimate HERE!