4 Tips for Back-to-School Driving Safety

School is back in session, which means early alarms, busy mornings, and new traffic patterns on the road. While it’s important to always practice safe driving habits year-round, the school year requires extra attention because of how many more children are involved. By being extra careful and vigilant, you can make this back-to-school season much more bearable (and safer) for you and others on the road.

Top Driving Tips for Back-to-School Season

During the school year, the roads are often busiest from 7 AM to 8 AM, and 2 PM to 4 PM. Here are a few driving tips to keep in mind while you’re on the road during these times.

Avoid double-parking, especially in school zones. 

Many drivers tend to double-park if they are dropping off passengers. During the school year, it’s best to avoid this because it can block visibility for children and other vehicles. On narrow streets, double-parking can also prevent school buses from passing by, which can cause traffic jams.

Do not stop on the crosswalks. 

Crosswalks are meant to be safe zones for pedestrians to cross the street out of traffic’s way. By blocking crosswalks, you may be forcing pedestrians, including children walking to school, to go around you and possibly put themselves in the line of traffic.

Lower your speed in school zones.

Most school zones have flashing lights and a sign indicating the maximum speed limit during certain hours. However, even when the lights aren’t flashing, you still want to be careful driving past schools. Some children may be outside playing during recess or gym class, and they may accidentally run out into traffic. Be patient, and pass through school zones at a safe speed with your eyes on the road and your foot ready to hit the brakes.

Respect school buses. 

It is illegal to pass a bus when it has its lights flashing and the stop arm extended. This is when children are loading and unloading from the bus, and it is when many accidents occur. If you notice that you’re driving near a bus, be ready to stop, and make sure you are giving them at least 10 feet of clearance from all sides.

Have Your Car Serviced at Schumacher Auto Group

One of the best ways to get ready for driving during back-to-school season is to have your car’s safety and performance examined by expert technicians. Schedule a service appointment at Schumacher Auto Group, and don’t forget to check out our service specials to help you save money.