Driving Tips for Back To School

15 Aug Driving Tips for Back To School

I think everyone can relate to the stress of transitioning from summer to back to school and work. Unfortunately with this shift comes an increase in traffic, different driving patterns, and rules of the road.  Drivers need to be even more aware as the season changes.

According to NHTSA data, from 2004 to 2013, there were 327 school-age children who died in school-transportation-related crashes; 54 were occupants of school transportation vehicles, 147 were occupants of other vehicles, 116 were pedestrians, and 9 were pedal cyclists. There were more school-age pedestrians killed between the hours of 7 and 8 a.m. and between 3 and 4 p.m than any other hours of the day.

Here are some tips to driving where you need to go safely:

• Sharing the Road With the Yellow Bus – Busses make frequent stops so ensure there is enough space between you and them. You can also help bus drivers out if you yield when they are attempting to merge.  It is also essential that children know to walk in front of the bus and never behind.
• Honoring the Speed Limits – Most school zones are 25 mph, but pay attention when entering a school zone and abide by the limits. School areas can be very busy especially during drop off and pick up times. It’s also important to look out for pedestrians and keep your foot on the brake.  Even after school hours can be busy with sports and other afterschool activities so be mindful that speed limits aren’t just for during school hours.
• Walk Safely – According to the Safe Routes to Schools organization, 33 percent of youth pedestrian crashes are attributed to kids darting out into the road.  Make sure you are walking safely by only crossing at marked crosswalks and in clear view so that cars can see you and never between parked cars. Remind your kids to do the same (a full list of walking safety tips for students here).
• Safe Carpooling – Carpooling can be great especially for the working and over scheduled family. It’s important that everyone is on the same page with their rules and communicates effectively. Everyone needs to wear a seatbelt no matter who they are driving with. It’s the law and they save thousands of lives a year. According to the NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis “In 2008, 70 percent of the passenger vehicle occupants ages 13 to 15 killed in traffic crashes were not using restraints — the highest percentage out of all age groups.”
• Refresh Your Safe Driving Skills – It’s always a good idea to brush up on your safe driving skills and it can be fun too! Use can use the internet to find free courses or tests to see how you score. You can even make it a family night. Click on the link to see the Distracted Drivers Board Game from TeenDrive 365 from Discovery Education and Toyota, http://bit.ly/2auEce7.

We hope these tips help and will make the shift from summer to back to school both smooth and safe. Please contact SAVA Insurance with any questions you may have. We look forward to exceeding your insurance needs.