Joe Machens East Collision Center

Back to School Driving Safety Tips

The lazy days of summer have passed here in  Columbia ,  MO , and it’s back to school. That means waking up the kids early, packing up backpacks and lunches and rushing to get to school.

Fall can be a potentially perilous time of the year for pedestrians with too many cars on the road, driving around in school zones and picking up children at the same time. Everyone seems to be in a hurry and tensions can be high potentially leading to more accidents during those harried back to school times. The National Center for Safe Routes to School said that more kids are hit near schools than any other location. 

So, here are some helpful tips for be a safer and more responsible driver during those hectic back to school days, brought to you by  Joe Machens East Collision Center :

Five safety tips:

1.) Consider carpooling

Do you know another family heading in your same direction on a daily basis? Approach them about ride sharing. It will reduce the number of vehicles on the road, meaning less potential accidents. When you are in charge of the carpool, ensure that passengers buckle up. Seat belts save thousands of lives annually, not to mention that it’s the law.

​2.) Obey the rules

Always abide by the speed limit, especially in school zones, which are usually between 15 and 25 mph. Yield to merging buses and follow a safe distance behind as they often stop unexpectedly. Avoid double parking, which blocks visibility and never load or unload children from across the street.

3.) Talk to your children

Take the time to go over your drop off and pick up procedures with your children. Remind them to stay inside crosswalks, watch their surroundings and always walk in front of buses and cars, never behind. According to the Safe Routes to Schools organization, 33% of youth pedestrian crashes are caused by kids darting out into the road.

4.) Take extra precautions

Always be aware of your surroundings in case a car stop suddenly or slows down to drop off children. Whether or not you have the right of way, be cautious so you don’t accidentally hit a pedestrian. If you need extra time during drop-off, turn on your hazard lights.

5.) Be courteous

Slow down and pay attention when entering a school zone and when kids are present. Turn off your phone and dedicate all of your full attention on the road; a call or text can wait. When you are sitting at a red light or ready to turn, don’t block the crosswalk and refrain from passing other vehicles stopping for pedestrians. Always be patient and tolerant of drivers.

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Sources: The National Center for Safe Routes to School, USA Today and Parenting Magazine