AAA magazine offers up some excellent tips in its most recent issue (Journey September / October).
With school back in session, there are more than just school bus laws to be aware of. Please see our previous blog posts covering that issue.
Safety regarding children getting to and from school requires both the kids and the drivers to be informed about the dangers and best practices to avoid accidents.
DRIVERS:
SLOW DOWN: School zones have 20 MPH limits and extend well before and after the school building. Additionally, these zones frequently have camera systems now that will automatically ticket vehicles exceeding the speed limits.
ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS: If your eyes are not on the road for more than two seconds, studies have shown that you are doubling the chances of an accident. Be aware that young drivers are likely in the school vicinity as well who may not be acting as responsibly as one might hope.
STAY ALERT IN CROSSING ZONES: Make contact with the patrol person or child crossing the street and ensure that an accident does not occur.
WATCH FOR BICYCLES: Kids riding bikes move fast and can be less predictable than adult cyclists who understand better how to share the roadway.
CHILDREN: Parents, talk with your kids about how to be safe getting to and from school and the unique dangers of their trip to and from your home.
* Use sidewalks and cross at intersections.
* Watch for turning cars, including from behind you.
* Never dart out from a hidden or partially hidden place such as between cars
* Never assume that the driver sees you when crossing a street, even in a crosswalk.
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