The Ultimate Guide To Back to School Road Safety
One-third of parents worry their child will be in a vehicle accident on way to/from school in school zonesIt’s hard to believe that the school year is already upon us again. As we run around and get the kids ready for school it’s also important to make a concerted effort to be more aware of our surroundings, especially when driving in school zones.
There will be an increase in the number of people on the road, school buses, parents driving their kids to school, and lots of children on the sidewalks making their way to and from school. This means that all drivers need to be extra careful and on the lookout for children when driving.
School Zone Safety Survey Reveals Drivers Need To Make Significant Improvements
A recent school zone safety survey revealed that drivers are violating laws and safety rules in school zones and in residential areas with children present. This is something that needs to be improved immediately, especially with a new school year coming up. If every driver took it upon themselves to be a safer driver, especially in school zones and when children are present, we could make our roads much safer for everyone.
Scary Stats About Driving in School Zones
80% of parents have witnessed drivers violating safety procedures in school zonesMany drivers put children at risk by breaking traffic laws and violating safety procedures in school zones.
- Almost three-quarters (74%) have witnessed people driving faster than the speed limit
- 68% report drivers talking or texting on a cell phone while driving
- 37% report drivers not stopping at a cross walk
- 20% report drivers not stopping for crossing guards
- 19% report drivers running red lights
These stats are downright scary and a sign that we need to make a much better effort to keep our children safe.
Driving Tips to Make Our Roads Safer This School Year
To help you get back in the habit of driving during the school year and being aware of children, we have put together the following tips:
- Put your phone down! You need to pay extra attention to your surroundings when the kids go back to school. All it takes is a second for something bad to happen.
- Be prepared for the unexpected: You never know when a child could walk expectantly out on the road.
- Slow down: This should go without saying! Slow down when driving in residential areas, school zones, or when children are present.
- Make eye contact: Before proceeding through an intersection, stop sign, or cross walk, always make eye contact with children.
- Don’t make assumptions: Never make assumptions about how children or other vehicles will act or react, especially in crowded school zones with cars coming in and out. Be extra cautious.
- Obey school bus rules: Always stop when school bus lights are flashing and wait until all children have safely crossed the road. Also make sure not to impede school buses in school zones.
Tips For Dropping Your Kids Off At School
As outlined inSchool Zone Safety Tips For Dropping Off Your Kids At School, here are some important tips for dropping your kids off at school:
- Try to drop them off on the same side of the street as their school.
- Consider dropping them off on a side street near the school that is clear of traffic and buses.
- Never let your kids out at a stop sign or at a traffic light when it is red.
- Use the designated drop off/pick up area if their school has one.
- Make sure you are aware of the pick-up/drop off rules the school may have.
- Always give your children plenty of time to get out of the car. Don’t rush them.
Using these tips will help ensure that your children are dropped off and picked up in a safe and efficient way. Improving road safety this school year starts with parents.
Learn More About Back To School Road Safety
6 School Zone Road Safety Tips for Parents and Kids