Back to School Driving Tips

With summer beginning to come to an end, that means schools will begin to start again. Therefore, it is crucial to brush up on safe driving practices to ensure the safety of students, parents, and other road users. With increasing traffic and pedestrians coming with the return of school, it is essential for drivers to exercise caution and follow traffic regulations. In this article, we will provide you with valuable back to school driving tips to help you and others stay safe on the roads.

Observe School Zones

Pay very close attention to school zones, as they require that you reduce your speed during certain times. Look out for signs indicating the speed limit and be prepared to slow down accordingly. School zones are often marked with bright signage and flashing lights to grab your attention. Stay alert and be ready to stop for pedestrians crossing the road.

Watch for Children

There will be a wide variety of children walking or biking to school that may not follow the traffic rules, so it is important you are extremely vigilant. Keep an eye out for kids near bus stops, crosswalks, and sidewalks. It is important to prepare for sudden movements because children can often be unpredictable. Always yield to pedestrians and avoid distractions such as using your mobile phone while driving.

Maintain a Safe Following Distance

Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you is essential, especially during back to school season. Leave ample space so you are able to react to sudden stops or any unexpected actions from pedestrians or other drivers. A good rule of thumb to follow is the three second rule, in which you pick a stationary object and ensure you are at least three seconds of distance between you and the vehicle ahead. This will minimize accidents by ensuring that you have the correct amount of time to react to any event.

Follow Traffic Laws

Respecting traffic laws and safety tips is essential to ensuring the safety of everyone on the road. Obey speed limits, stop signs, traffic signals, and other regulations. This includes minimizing distractions that will divert your eyes away from the road, stopping for school buses, using your turn signals when changing lanes or making turns, and always yielding to the right of way. By obeying the traffic laws, you are being a predictable driver, allowing those around you to make the right decisions as well. Though you need to adhere to traffic laws wherever you are driving, it is even more important that you do so during school hours, as it is when plenty of accidents occur.

As school reopens it is important to prioritize the safety of the students and community by following these back to school driving tips. By practicing these safe driving habits, you contribute to a safer and more responsible experience during the school year and beyond. If you do end up in an accident that requires repair, contact M&G Body Shop. We have over 20 years of experience and are ready to help you with anything you may need, so do not hesitate to reach out today!