As summer hits its peak, it's time to start thinking about the beginning of the school year. For many, this means adjusting their morning routine, while for others, it simply means more traffic. How does this affect you, and why should you care?
Increased Time and Decreased Speed
Because of
the increase in traffic, it's going to take longer to travel. This
means you'll need to leave a little earlier. If you're not stuck in
traffic, consider driving more slowly. Besides saving on gas, this helps you stop for school buses, and avoid children who dart into the road.
School Buses and Laws
Even if you don't have
kids in school, it's not hard to see the increase in school buses
around this time. Laws vary by state, but usually you have to stop if a
school bus is loading or unloading—no matter what side of the street
it's on. Passing a school bus while its red lights are flashing is
illegal in every state.
Make sure to familiarize yourself with the local laws regarding school buses. In their guide, "Reducing Illegal Passing of School Buses,"
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that
many school buses are illegally passed about once a day. Some buses are
even passed on the right (the side children use). School Zones School Safety New or Teen Driver For more tips about safety, driving, and cars, check the rest of our Auto Articles section. You can also get free online car insurance quotes from top insurance companies.
Another thing to keep in mind as
school starts is to be alert in school zones. Check your state's laws
regarding school zones. If you're unsure, slow down when school is in
session, especially if you see children or crossing guards.
Although national School Bus
Safety week isn't until the third week of October, now is the time to
teach children about school safety. If you have kids, talk to them
about what's safe and what isn't. For example, do they know how to
cross the street safely, where they can and can't walk around a school
bus, and how to get help if they need it?
If you have a child that
recently got a license or is learning to drive, make sure they can
drive safely and won't take unnecessary risks. If your son or daughter
is headed off to college, get tips for college drivers.
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