Back-to-School Traffic Safety: Keeping Our Roads Safe This School Year

The return to school brings one of the most significant changes in daily traffic patterns of the entire year: more children on foot and on bikes, more school buses on the road, more inexperienced drivers, and more congestion around schools and neighborhoods, all at once. A few moments of extra caution can make an enormous difference.

That said, here are a few traffic safety considerations for both motorists and parents of young children to keep in mind as back-to-school season approaches.

Back-to-School Traffic Safety Reminders

• When driving behind a school bus, be sure to leave a generous amount of room when stopping. The area within 10 feet behind and in front of a bus is the most dangerous zone for children boarding and exiting.
• Always yield to pedestrians, and never attempt to pass a vehicle that has yielded to pedestrians.
• Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars. When parking on the street or near a bike lane, be sure to check your mirrors for cyclists before opening your door.
• If dropping off students, be sure to follow the school’s specific drop-off procedures to keep the flow of traffic predictable and safe.

Traffic Safety Reminders for Families With Young Children

Children under 10 years old should never approach the road alone. Additionally, be sure to practice key pedestrian and cyclist safety habits, such as stopping, looking, and listening; using crosswalks; wearing helmets and knee pads; and avoiding the use of devices while crossing the street.

By staying alert, following the rules, and looking out for the most vulnerable people on our roads, we can all play a role in keeping the roads safe this school year.

Please feel free to share this with anyone in your family or community who might benefit from these reminders.

And if you ever have questions or need assistance, I am always here to help leverage my expertise for your benefit.