Now that summer is winding down, it is time for everyone to start thinking about kids going back to school. Parents are beginning to buy school supplies, and children are starting to think about who will be in their classes this year.
Whether you have children or not, the back-to-school season will likely impact you, too. Even if you are not driving little ones to school, you may travel through a school zone during your commute.
These are two of the biggest hazards you may encounter while driving through a school zone.
Unaccompanied children
In some areas, there are people to supervise school crosswalks. These are typically either older children or assigned adult crossing guards.
However, crossing guards are usually only on duty when school crosswalks are busiest. Often, there are no crossing guards for after-school activities or children going to and from a schoolyard playground.
When traveling through a school zone, you should watch for small children crossing the street or those chasing a toy or another child. Children are often unaware of the dangers around them and may not see your vehicle.
Fresh new drivers
One of the first places in a teen driver’s commute is school. A newly licensed driver may drive alone or travel with younger siblings or friends on their way to school.
Seasoned motorists know that driving means being able to manage several tasks at the same time. However, these new drivers are still learning to manage all of the responsibilities of safe driving.
New drivers need plenty of space so that they have more time to react to changes around them. When you take extra precautions and drive slowly in school zones, you have more time to respond to the potential dangers around you.