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Driver Safety - Back to School

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Health & Safety
Driver Safety - Back to School

Creation date

27/08/2019

The summer season has come to an end and school is back in session.  Safe Driving during the school year means taking extra precautions to prevent accidents, pedestrian injuries or fatalities.  

Stay Safe with these Top 5 School Zone Safety Tips shown below.
 

According to AAA, "Every fall, over 55 million children across the United States head back to school. With 13 percent of those children typically walking or biking to their classes."   AAA continues, warning drivers, "...be especially vigilant for pedestrians before and after school hours."

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Pedestrian Accidents and Injuries

Statistics serve as harsh reminders to us all that we must take extra precautions and be both alert and aware of our surroundings.  We must be cautious especially when driving near a bus stop, school, playground, anywhere children may be at play and where pedestrians and bicycles are more common.  
 

According to the National Safety Council, NSC, "Most of the children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are 4 to 7 years old, and they're walking.  They are hit by the bus, or by a motorist illegally passing a stopped bus."


Now that school is back in session, take advantage by changing bad habits.  For example, don't rush!  Rushing causes unnecessary stress and increases the risk of having an accident.  If you know that your travels will put you on the road alongside school buses, leave yourself extra time to get to your destination. 


By sharing the road with others respectfully, you enable everyone to arrive safely at their destination!

Remember, the most dangerous area for children riding the school bus is just around the perimeter of bus stops and the bus itself.  Stay alert for children who may dart into the road to cross the street, go after a ball, follow another child, etc.

Keep in mind, the most important thing is not who has the right-of-way.  It is more important to stay safe and help others stay safe as well.
 

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Top 5 School Zone Safety Tips:

  1. Slow down when approaching a school, school bus stop, crosswalk, pedestrian walk, bicycle lane, etc.
  2. Never speed through a school zone and stay within the posted speed limits.
  3. Never pass a school bus when children are getting on or off the bus.
  4. Never pass a school bus with flashing lights and a stop-sign extended.
  5. Watch for pedestrians and bicycles.

 

 


 

Eliminate Distractions

Another important rule of the road is to eliminate all distractions while you are driving.  Do not let conversations with passengers or the radio interfere with your driving. 

NEVER TEXT AND DRIVE.  This is, of course, non-negotiable whether in a school zone, or otherwise. 

If you need to use your phone, pull over to a safe location and, while driving, keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel.

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The National Safety Council, NSC, has produced a very helpful resource they call "Back to School - Safety Checklist". 

They also offer an extensive amount of School Safety materials, tips, and more.

Please visit the NSC website for more information.  

 

 

RESOURCES:

 

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The information contained in this Blog is not intended to be all-inclusive nor does it reflect direct federal, state, local or other governing body guidance.  At Tradebe, we are committed to the Safety of our team, our clients, partners and community.  Tradebe’s Blog is offered by our Health and Safety and Environmental Compliance experts only as a general guide relating to the topics covered and referenced.  For further information, please see the list of Resources.

​As always, like all general information offered on the web, Tradebe’s Blog does not replace the professional advice of Health and Safety and/or Environmental Compliance Consultants to review your facility’s specific requirements.