Back-to-School Driving Tips for Parents By Jeremiah Fiel, founder and CEO, Power Trucks USA
The end of summer signals a return to school for kids and a reality that parents know especially well. Children, from toddlers to teens, are unpredictable in traffic situations. Whether crossing the road in designated crosswalks or darting across the middle of the block, the excitement to see their school friends and teachers can make kids behave unexpectedly – and dangerously.
All drivers have a special duty for caution on the road around schools this time of year. With just about a bit more than half of all school-aged children riding the bus to school (26 million of 49 million), many kids get to school in private vehicles.
A recent survey found that about a third of parents are concerned about safe passage to and from school for their kids, so it’s a good time for a refresher on safe driving and related tips.
- Drive slowly and be alert: Many roads you travel are quiet during the summer, but with schools back in session, crosswalks are bustling with kids and curbs are lined with bikes in motion. Pay attention to school signs; many will be flashing to remind you that kids, teens and young people are arriving at and walking to school. Remember, kids are unpredictable and are not always watching out for vehicles.
The National Poll on Children’s Health found that 48% of parents report their children walk through an area where passenger vehicles drop off or pick up students. Some 28% of parents say their children are most likely to be injured near a vehicle or bus drop-off area. Go slow and be ready to brake for inattentive children in such situations. Don’t double park as it blocks line-of-sight for kids and other drivers alike. Parents reported inattention (37%) and speeding (34%) as the most significant danger to their children in school drop-off and pickup zones.
- Buckle up: Every year, about 15,000 lives are saved by wearing a seat belt, and on average, 47% of people who die in car accidents were not strapped in. Ensure all passengers are strapped in or secured in a properly installed car seat or booster seat.
- No distracted driving: While cell phones are the obvious sin, especially texting, what’s happening inside the vehicle can also be a distraction to safe driving. Distracted driving is considered any activity that diverts attention from eyes on the road, and the four leading causes of distracted driving are eating in the car, talking to passengers, electronic device use and grooming.
At 55 mph, distracted driving can be the equivalent of driving the length of a football field with eyes closed. Remember, moms and dads, set the example for their kids and other young passengers. Children watch and tend to adopt the same driving habits as their parents – so keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
- Vehicle maintenance: Parents would be wise to review their vehicle readiness at the start of the school year. Be sure to cover the basics, including scheduled oil changes and proper coolant, brake fluid and tire pressure levels. Especially important in modern vehicles and their many computer components is the warning light, which should be tended to by a mechanic’s diagnostic as soon as possible. Finally, carry some basic safety items, such as jumper cables, emergency flares and a simple tool kit.
The new school year transforms the roads as family life shifts from summer downtime to a more rushed, busier family lifestyle. Take a minute to think about what this change means for safely getting back and forth for a safer school year. And, by all means, have a great year with the children!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
