Back to School Safety Tips!

School’s in Session Again!!

Pedestrian-vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14. Kids are back from summer camp, school is in session again and school buses are plying the streets. That means drivers need to step-up safety around school zones, crosswalks, bus stops and wherever children may be playing outdoors. Here are some back-to-school safe driving tips:

• Be familiar with school zones.

Get in the habit of noticing where school zones and crosswalks are on routes you normally take. Accidents, including pedestrian accidents, are far more likely to occur locally on routes with which drivers are more familiar and comfortable.

Stop for school bus lights.

Always

Obey crossing guards.

School crossing guards are given police training and the same authority as local traffic police in most areas, so disobeying a crossing guard could get you in serious trouble. Plus, driving on major streets where crossing guards and crosswalks are observed is safer than taking "short-cut" side streets where children may be unattended.

Anticipate the worst.

The speed and distance away of oncoming cars is more difficult for young children to judge. Always slow down and prepare to brake in anticipation that a small child might run in front of your vehicle.

Be careful around parked vehicles.

Be particularly careful in areas with parked vehicles on the side of the road. Children waiting to cross may be especially difficult to see behind parked sport-utility vehicles.

Avoid using cell phones when driving.

Cell phones are a known distraction. Never use hand-held cell phones while driving, and never use hands-free cell phones while driving in school zones or areas with children. The same goes for activities that distract the driver, such as changing CDs, looking at notes and reading maps.

Avoid reversing.

Try to avoid reversing your vehicle in areas with children. It’s more difficult to see short children and attend to your car’s blind spots while reversing.

Don't speed.

Remember that the speed limit in most school zones during school times or when children are present is 25 miles per hour or lower. Driving during bad weather, or in areas with limited visibility, will require an even lower speed. Your visibility to pedestrians, your ability to see them and your stopping distance can all be greatly impaired by weather or road conditions, so follow common sense and slow down. stop for school buses with flashing red lights. It’s the law! Drivers approaching the bus must come to a full stop for the duration that the red lights are on. Some school buses also have flashing yellow lights, meaning drivers may proceed with extreme caution. Bus drivers often engage the flashing yellow lights before the flashing red lights, signaling that they are about to stop.