Create Careful Driving Habits

By Cinda Seamon CONTRIBUTOR

Here are some back to school driving safety tips:

Think of the morning craziness when dropping off kids – traffic congestion at the school, school buses dropping off, kids on bikes, and rushed parents. The same goes for after school when everyone is picking up.

According to the National Safety Council, most children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are 4 to 7 years old and they’re walking. This can happen when a motorist illegally passes a stopped school bus.

Don’t block the crosswalk at a red light or waiting to make a turn as this can force pedestrians to go around you and can put them in the path of moving traffic.

*Most schools have a specific drop-off procedure – make sure you know them.

*Don’t load or unload children across the street from the school.

*Consider carpooling- it can reduce the number of vehicles at the school.

*When school zone flashers are on, stop and yield to pedestrians.

*Pay attention to the crossing guards.

*Never pass a car stopped for pedestrians.

*Never pass a school bus from behind on an undivided road – it is probably stopped to load or unload children.

*When stopping behind a school bus, stop back far enough to let children enter and exit the bus safely.

*Be alert – children can be unpredictable.

*Pay extra attention to children riding their bikes to school. They are not able to properly determine traffic conditions.

Drivers have a lot to pay attention to in school zones. When school starts, exercise a little extra care.

Cinda Seamon is the Fire and Life Safety Educator for Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue.