With the end of August quickly approaching, it's almost time for back to school! As families come back from "Summer mode" and get back into their regular routines, here are a few things to watch out for on the roads:
Increase in Traffic With fewer people taking Summer holidays, and everyone trying to get their kids to school and themselves to work on time, you can bet on morning and afternoon commute traffic returning to their regular volumes. Leave yourself some extra time if you can, search out alternative (truck) routes, and exercise your deep breathing techniques!
School Zones in Effect Now that school is back in session, those school zone rules will apply once again. Remember to keep an eye out for the signs, crossing guards, and especially for any little ones crossing the street in the mornings and afternoons.
Watch for School Busses Practice extra caution around school busses by keeping a safe distance and being prepared for stops to let students out. Remember, if a school bus has its flashing red lights on, students may be crossing! Stop at a safe distance as soon as the red lights start flashing, and do not proceed until the driver has turned the flashing lights off. Keep an eye out for any students lagging behind as you continue driving.
Avoid Distractions We've all come to know the distracted driving laws, and hopefully, you already have a phone mount or Bluetooth connectivity set up to abide by the rules. With increased traffic and students on the road, make sure you're paying extra attention and leaving those devices alone! Little ones may assume you've seen them and try to dash across the road quickly, and one glance away could make a difference in your reaction time.
Be Aware of Student Drivers With back to school comes all kinds of learning, including new drivers on the road. Again, practice your deep breathing techniques here and (safely) maneuver around the new drivers when it's safe. Be sure not to cut anyone off, and keep your eye out for all of the above.
We'll be into Winter weather before you know it, so enjoy that last bit of Summer and stay safe out there!