Defensive Driving Around Schools
Now that the summer holidays are over and kids are going back to school, you’re likely to see many school buses during your everyday commute. It is important to practice defensive driving around them, and safe driving practices are also recommended when you are driving through school zones in general. Here are some of the guidelines that will help you ensure that you drive safely around schools and school buses:
Prepare to Stop Anytime
When you enter a school zone, it is recommended that you immediately slow down and abide by the posted speed limit. Nearly every state has their own speed limits and specific regulations in school zones. Always educate yourself on the laws of your area. When school is on, expect kids to cross the street which may be chaotic. Be vigilant and drive at a speed that allows you to stop at any time if required.
Watch for Crossing Guards
When you see a crossing guard standing near the road wearing a bright colored vest and holding a stop sign, it means you must stop and let children safely cross. Once they have crossed, then you may resume driving. However, since you are still in a school zone, it is recommended that you stay alert and practice caution.
Beware of School Buses
There are some special guidelines that you must follow when you encounter a school bus during your commute. First, make sure to keep a safe distance behind the bus and be prepared to make frequent stops. Flashing yellow lights mean that the bus driver is warning other motorists on the road that he is about to stop, so be sure to slow down. When the red lights on the bus are flashing and the stop sign is activated, your vehicle must be completely stopped to allow children to get on or off the bus safely. Once the red lights are switched off and the stop sign is retracted, and when the bus begins moving again, you can resume driving and continue on your journey. Remember that all drivers in both directions on the road must stop for school buses unless there is a solid median dividing the highway.
It is also highly recommended that you keep an eye out for children that are late and running to catch the bus.
Check the Mirrors
School bus drivers are trained on defensive driving, so they will do whatever they can to keep their young passengers safe and avoid an accident. You can also do your part by adjusting the mirrors of your car and checking them more frequently than usual. When you see a school bus stop ahead of you, be mindful that there may be kids not paying attention to other traffic on the road. It is a good idea to angle your mirrors in such a way to give you better visibility and allow you to spot children more easily.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Bicycles
Keep your eyes peeled for children on bicycles. They are slow and unpredictable and it is recommended that you keep at a distance of at least 3 feet between your vehicle and the bicycle. Kids aren’t always as mindful about traffic as we would like them to be, so it is your responsibility to keep an eye out for them, whether they are riding bicycles, getting out of cars or waiting to cross the street.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Auto Accident Attorneys located in Fairfax and licensed to practice in Virginia, Maryland and in the District of Columbia
If your child is injured in an accident going to or from school due to someone else’s negligence, he/she may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. Do not hesitate to contact the car accident attorneys at Hilton & Somer, LLC. We make the legal process as hassle-free as possible. We will focus on recovering compensation for you while you focus on your child’s physical and emotional recovery. Call us now for a free consultation (703) 560-0700.
References
https://vatire.com/car-maintenance-tips/safe-driving-tips/
https://www.drivesmartva.org/traffic-safety-laws/
https://www.sernis.com/news/back-to-school-safety-tips-for-drivers/
https://mikeduman.com/blog/school-bus-laws-virginia-keep-our-kids-safe-and-stop-yellow-beasts
https://patch.com/virginia/kingstowne/back-school-road-safety-tips-remember-fairfax-county
