School is starting up again, which means that drivers in California need to prepare for more school buses on the road and kids crossing the street. Over 600 children are killed in car accidents annually, and more than 95,000 are injured. By being careful on the road, you help reduce those numbers and prevent serious injuries.
Sharing the road with school buses
One of the most basic rules of driving is to leave enough stopping distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. When it comes to school buses, it’s important to leave additional distance. This is because the bus will stop frequently. Also, remember that it’s illegal in all states to pass a school bus that has stopped to let children on or off.
In addition, remember that children may not know all the rules of the road. Expect them to do something unpredictable and show additional caution around buses and school zones. This can help prevent car accidents involving students.
Tips for parents
If you’re a parent, be careful when dropping your children off at school. Bring them as close to the building as possible so that they don’t have to cross the street alone. If you walk your children to school, demonstrate good behavior. Don’t jaywalk, and always look both ways before crossing yourself. If you model safe behavior, your children are more likely to adopt it as adults.
What about bikes?
Some older children may commute to school themselves on bicycles, but they may not always know the proper hand signals for turns. Always yield to a bike on your right if you’re waiting to make a right-hand turn. If you’re trying to turn left and a bike is coming, waiting is also prudent.
If you bring a child to school or commute to work near a school zone, it’s important to follow all traffic rules. Being cautious can help keep your children and everyone on the road safe.
