As fall begins, it is important to prepare ourselves for the back-to-school season. While this exciting time of year can mean new clothes, backpacks, and school supplies, it also signifies a rise in foot and road traffic. With school in session, drivers can expect to see an increase in the number of drivers and pedestrians milling around, especially during school pick-up and drop-off. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests all drivers take extra caution and follow all traffic laws and speed limits in school zones. Agencia de Seguros de Accesso, LLC (A Abana Insurance) believes driving safety should always be a priority. Whether you are on drop-off duty in Selma or driving your child to the bus stop in Boerne, adopting mindful driving habits can be an integral part of your back-to-school routine. 

School Bus Safety

Ready for drop-off duty? Keep in mind that most schools have very specific drop-off and pick-up procedures. Be sure to review your school’s particular policies before the school year begins. The National Safety Council (NSC) suggests carpooling to reduce the number of vehicles at the school and to avoid loading and unloading children across the street from the school. 

• Many students rely on school buses to get to and from school. take extra caution when driving around school buses and review the following helpful tips from the NSC:
• Allow greater following distance if you are driving behind a bus so you will have more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing.
• Do not pass a bus from behind, or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road, or if it stopped to load or unload kids. 
• If the bus’s yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, you must wait until the lights stop flashing, the arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before you may move your vehicle.
• Be wary of children exiting school buses, as they can behave unpredictably.

Bike Safety

Bikes can provide an eco-friendly mode of transit for older children heading to school. However, young cyclists are not always educated on the rules of the road. It is up to adult drivers to remain watchful and safely share the streets with both cyclists and pedestrians. 

Be on the lookout for excess foot and bike traffic, and heed these following safe driving suggestions: 

• If you must pass a cyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist.
• If you are turning left and a bicyclist is approaching in the opposite direction, wait for the cyclist to pass.
• Watch for cyclists turning without looking or signaling, as well as bikes coming out of driveways and behind parked cars.
• Be sure to check the side mirrors before opening your vehicle’s door.

Car and Children's Safety

According to the NHTSA, during the school year pedestrian traffic tends to be higher. Many young children lose their lives due to motorists who fail to comply with safety precautions. 

Put safety first by familiarizing yourself with these helpful tips:

• Do not block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn.
• When lights are blinking in a school zone, you must stop and yield to the pedestrians crossing in the crosswalk or intersection.
• Do not pass another vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.
• Make a full stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard when they are holding up a stop sign.
• Even if you have the right of way, do not honk or encourage a pedestrian to hurry up.

Lastly, if you are parking your car or leaving it unattended, remember to keep your vehicle locked. It is not uncommon for young children to see the car as a play site, crawl around, and get trapped. 

While the weather may still be balmy in San Antonio come September, the shift in seasons signifies it’s time to hit the books and head back to school. School pick-ups and drop-offs can seem chaotic. Nonetheless, by exercising awareness and caution, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can safely co-exist.

A Abana Insurance knows that safe driving goes beyond the bus stop. Obtaining the right coverage for your family’s vehicle is an important part of being a responsible driver.

Give one of our qualified bilingual-Spanish agents a call today at 210-899-5401 to receive a free quote or discuss our affordable auto insurance options.



Disclaimer: This material is for general informational purposes only. Products, services, and discounts referenced herein are not available in all states or in all companies. All statements are subject to the terms, exclusions, and conditions of the applicable policy. In all instances, current policy contract language prevails. Coverage is subject to individual policyholders meeting the insurer's underwriting qualifications and state availability. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply.

Sources:

• https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/nhtsa-reminds-everyone-be-alert-children-head-back-school
• https://www.nhtsa.gov/school-bus-safety/keeping-children-safe
• https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/school-safety/back-to-school-safety-tips-for-drivers