With School Ending, Drivers Need to Re-Think How They Drive During the Day
With the end of the school year quickly approaching, it is time for all drivers to re-think their driving habits. Once school ends for the year, children will be present all day, and not just before and after school. Children will be out and about - they will still be present in school zones as summer school will be in session, and other kids will be playing at the local school, taking in a movie with friends, riding their bike, or visiting one of the many summer attractions in your area.
This means that drivers need to be on high alert at all times, especially in areas where children are likely to be present during the day in the summer. You never know when a child will walk out into the street and you need to be ready to stop quickly and safely.
Where to Pay Extra Attention
With school almost out, drivers need to pay extra attention during the day when driving past or near:
- Schools and local libraries
- Bus stops and subway stations
- Parks, bicycle paths, and Recreation Areas
- Residential Areas
- Crosswalks, stop signs, and traffic lights
- The mall, movie theatres, and other popular retail establishments
- Tourist destinations and tourist areas
- Anywhere else where children could be present during the day
Tips to Make Our Streets Safe for Children this Summer
Drivers can help make the roads safer for children by doing the following:
- Think like a child– What were some of the things that you did when you were a child during the summer? Think about these things and be ready to react to them when driving with children present in the area.
- School zones are still important- You still need to take extra care in school zones. Just because school is out does not mean that children will not be present.
- Expect more children- There will be more children present in residential areas – watch out for balls rolling into the street, children on bikes and roller blades, or children not paying attention before they attempt to cross the street.
- Take your foot off the gas- Slow down to give yourself that extra time and space to come to a complete stop
- Put the phone down!
What do you think is the most important tip that you can offer to drivers about keeping our children safe during the summer months?