The start of the new school year always brings a lot of changes – not the least of which are crowded sidewalks, busy intersections and a lot more buses and vehicles in the school zones. Drivers aren’t always prepared for the sudden uptick in pedestrian traffic, and a single moment of distraction or impatience behind the wheel can turn into a serious accident.
Drivers need to slow down, pay close attention to their surroundings and expect children (and maybe harried parents) to behave unpredictably. Here are some tips that may help you safely navigate this time of year.
1. Slow down in school zones
School-zone speed limits are there for a reason. Driving more slowly gives you additional time to see a pedestrian and stop your vehicle. It also reduces the force of a collision if an accident does occur. Keep in mind that a student may be hidden by a parked car, school bus or group of other pedestrians.
2. Approach crosswalks carefully
Reduce your speed as you approach a crosswalk, and be prepared to stop. Watch for crossing guards and follow their directions, even if doing so adds a few minutes to your commute. Never pass a vehicle that has stopped at one. Its driver may be waiting for a pedestrian you cannot see.
3. Give school buses plenty of room
Leave additional space when following a school bus and anticipate frequent stops. Watch for flashing lights and the extended stop arm. Children may cross from either side of the road, and some may step back into the road for inexplicable reasons.
4. Eliminate distractions behind the wheel
Distracted driving comes in many different forms, but they’re all dangerous. Put away your phone before the vehicle begins moving. Avoid eating, adjusting navigation or reaching into the back seat while traveling near a school. Morning congestion requires your full attention.
5. Don’t let your guard down in parking lots
Be particularly cautious in school parking lots and pickup lines. Children may walk between vehicles or suddenly dart from cars that have barely stopped to let them out. Check every mirror and look behind the vehicle before backing out.
Back-to-school traffic can be frustrating, but impatience makes an already hectic environment more dangerous. Leave home a little earlier, expect delays and remember that every child near the road is counting on drivers to notice them. If you or your child is injured in a crash, talking to an experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine your available options.
