Back-to-School season is here which means there is no better time than now to be reminded of how to drive safely this time of year. After months of more relaxed summer driving, many people forget the precautions needed when school is back in session. The increase in foot and vehicle traffic around schools makes it more important than ever to be cautious and considerate. Here are some important safety reminders to keep in mind as you navigate school zones during drop-off and pick-up times.
Avoid Double Parking at Drop-Off Zones, Especially During Back-to-School week
One of the most common mistakes drivers make during school drop-off is double parking. While it might seem like a quick and easy way to drop your child off, double parking can obstruct traffic and create dangerous blind spots for other drivers. This lack of visibility can put pedestrians and other children at risk. Additionally, double parking disrupts the flow of traffic and increases the chance of accidents, particularly when drivers are in a rush. If you must drop your child off at school, always pull into a designated drop-off area or park in a safe spot. It is also advisable not to drop your child off across the street unless there is a safe crosswalk for them to use. Encouraging your child to cross busy roads at designated crosswalks with traffic lights helps them avoid hazardous situations.
Consider Carpooling
Carpooling is a great way to reduce congestion around schools. Now that back-to-school season is here, there is no better time to coordinate a carpooling schedule! Not only does it help decrease the amount of traffic during drop-off and pick-up times, but it also helps reduce your carbon footprint. When there are fewer cars on the road, it makes navigating school zones less stressful for everyone. If you can, try to organize a carpool with other parents, and encourage your children to ride with friends. This simple step can help improve safety and efficiency during busy school hours.
Watch Out for Pedestrians and Bicyclists
When driving near a school, it is crucial to be aware of pedestrians, especially children who may be walking or biking to school. Children are often less predictable than adults, and they might dart out from behind parked cars or cross streets without checking for traffic. In many areas, kids may be walking on the road because sidewalks or bike lanes are unavailable, which further heightens the risk. Always stay alert, especially around school zones, and be prepared to stop for pedestrians and cyclists.
In addition, when stopping at crosswalks, make sure your vehicle is not blocking the path. You should always leave plenty of room for pedestrians to safely cross the street. Blocking a crosswalk not only creates a hazard for children but could also result in a citation from local traffic officers. Maintaining a safe distance and being patient when driving around schools can help everyone stay safe.
Respect School Bus Zones
School buses are an important part of getting children to and from school safely. If your child’s school has designated bus drop-off areas, avoid driving into these zones. These areas are meant for buses only, and driving into them could not only cause a disruption but could also result in fines. If there are no designated areas, always be mindful of buses as they enter and exit the drop-off zones. Make sure to leave enough space for buses to maneuver in and out of the school property. School buses have flashing lights and stop signs, signaling when it is unsafe to pass. Always stop when a bus has its lights flashing and avoid passing when children are getting on or off.
