September marks the beginning of the school year for many kids and adults around the world. People making their way to educational institutions and back home increase the vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic on and around the roads.
It is likely your commute and other driving trips will take longer than they did over the summer months, so plan ahead to avoid driving under stress. A consistently top-cited reason for speeding is running late. It’s never a good idea to perform risky driving maneuvers like speeding, lane-hopping, running stop signs or lights, or driving on the median in an attempt to “make-up” time on the road. It is better to arrive late than to never arrive at all.
Increase in Foot Traffic
If you drive near a school, slow down. Low posted speeds should alert you to the fact that you are driving through a school zone. Watch for pedestrians. Children can be erratic and are not always aware of the dangers of the road, so stay alert.
“Remember that children expect you to stop”
When approaching a pedestrian crossing, slow down and scan for pedestrians or cyclists. If there is someone crossing or waiting to cross, come to a complete stop behind the line and wait until they’re on the other side. If you don’t see any pedestrians, proceed through with caution.
Crossing guards will be posted at more intersections now that school is in session. Always obey a crossing guard’s directions, even if contradictory to a traffic light, because their job is to keep pedestrians safe and they may see someone you don’t.
If you are turning in an intersection, be aware of pedestrians who may use the crosswalk in front of you. Cars and bikes must yield to pedestrians. Wait until the crosswalk is clear before turning.
You may find your regular route is also a school bus route. Go slow when driving or biking near buses. When they stop and put their lights on and/or stop sign out, you must stop behind them and wait until their lights are off and they start moving again before you continue driving.
These driving rules apply at all times, not just during school hours, and disobeying the law can lead to hefty fines and possible jail time.
Ontario “drivers who fail to obey the law can serve jail time of up to six months.”
Passenger Peril
Driving with passengers - especially children - in the car increases your risk of an accident. Passengers are likely to disturb and distract a driver with conversation or doing things in the car like eating, changing shoes, and other activities that grab a driver’s attention.
Kids are prone to outbursts, making loud noises, asking questions, complaining, and dropping or throwing things, which can cause a driver to take their attention, eyes, and hands away from the task of driving.
Everyone who spends time in cars would do well to remember that driving is an important task that requires a person’s full physical and mental attention. Noise and activities should be limited, and conversations should be light and easy.
Drivers with passengers should remind them of the dangers of driving, and should focus on the road instead of engaging with the other people in the car. If a passenger becomes distracting, it is best to pull over into a safe area off the road where you can park in order to deal with the issue before you set off on the road again.
Dropping Off or Picking Up
If you are a parent, use your discretion when planning your child’s route to and from school. If they are old enough and the school is close enough to home, encourage them to walk if the route is safe in order to reduce traffic congestion.
Those that drive children to school should avoid stopping on the road or on a crosswalk and should not double park or stop in no-stopping zones. It is important for everyone’s safety that every car on the road obeys traffic laws at all times. Inquire with your child’s school about their pick-up and drop-off system and leave yourself and your children ample time to get to school and home after school, to avoid making dangerous mistakes under stress.
Guardians of children should plan a safe route to and from school whether driving or walking. Those driving should find a safe area at or around the school from which to drop off and pick up their children. When possible, plan a route that does not have the child crossing a street without a crosswalk.
Reduce the use of your phone when picking up or dropping off a child, as it is important for road users and pedestrians to be alert to road activity in order to stay safe. Teach your children about road safety and crosswalks, including how to listen and look for cars and bikes and make eye contact with a driver to ensure they are aware of when you are going to cross in front of their vehicle.
As a driver, cyclist, or pedestrian, your safety and the safety of those around you is in your hands. You are also an important example of behavior and attitude to the kids who look up to you as a parent, guardian, or role model. Obeying traffic laws and school rules, as well as staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings, not only helps keep your community safe but helps prepare the next generation of responsible drivers and road users.
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