Driving near schools can be stressful, especially with students and parents rushing to get to class on time. It’s essential to drive safely around children, but how do you keep yourself safe while they are also on the road? Here are some back-to-school driving tips that will help keep everyone safe:
Kids And The Roads
Children are more unpredictable than adults. They tend to dart out in front of cars and may not be able to see or hear you. Children might also engage in risky behavior, like playing on the street or running away from home.
Children are more likely to be hit by a car than adults. In fact, children under the age of 15 account for one-third of all pedestrian deaths each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
So make sure to teach your children to look both ways, even if the light is red for cars, because some drivers can be careless.
Distracted Drivers
A study from the National Safety Council found that the number of drivers who reported using their cell phones while driving increased by 12 percent between 2008 and 2010. This is not just a problem for you and other motorists but can also be deadly for pedestrians like yourself.
If you have a notification that needs your attention, pull over safely! No text or social media app push notification is worth possibly injuring somebody.
Avoid using a cell phone while driving, even if you are stopped at a traffic light. Even hands-free devices can be just as distracting to your attention as holding the phone.
School Zones
As a driver, you should always be aware of your surroundings. Watch for children playing in the street or running out of their school at lunchtime. Also, watch out for children who are crossing the road to get home from school. In addition, check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes to ensure no one is walking behind your car, and try not to tailgate other vehicles when driving near schools. Kids may get distracted while crossing, so always slow down near school zones just in case to avoid potential accidents.
School is back in session, and that means increased traffic in school zones. We hope these driving safety tips will help you navigate the roads safely this fall!
If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident, Slusser Law Firm can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (570) 405-9953 to schedule a free case consultation.