Back to School: Keeping Our Kids Safe.

As school bells start to ring, it’s a sign of impending changes. No more sleeping in and the days aren’t quite so lazy. It can be difficult to get back into the swing of things, but the more prepared we are, the easier the transition. Certain times of the week days we will now find more kids on the roadways, either waiting for buses or walking home. It’s up to us to keep them safe!

Carpooling: This can be great when it’s done right. If we are distracted by all the commotion going on in the backseat, it’s easy to take our eyes off the road and miss the kiddo stepping out to pick up his cell phone he just dropped. 

Driving in a school zone: There’s a reason the speed limit is so much lower than during non-school-time hours. If you are driving slow, you’ll be able to slow down so much quicker. Keep your eyes open for those school zone speed limit signs as well as for children in and around the area.

Time: Take your time and don’t be in a hurry. Give yourself extra time if you’ll be driving through school zones on your way to and from work. 

School buses: Those big yellow vehicles are a huge sign for us to slow down. Remember it’s illegal to pass a school bus whose red lights are flashing, and that goes for both ways. Just because you’re not right behind the bus and are driving towards it doesn’t mean you can fly right by. Remember that kids have to cross the entire street not just half. (I only write this because I’ve done that without thinking and it was scary!)

Drive the route ahead of time: Especially if you are new to a neighborhood, take your time to drive the route you plan to take to and from school ahead of time. This will allow you to know what to expect in the way of speed limits, stop signs, and hard to see corners.

Keeping our kids safe isn’t just the job of parents. It’s the job of everyone on the roadways. 25,000 children are injured each year in school zone accidents. 100,000 ADULTS are also injured each year in school zone accidents. Crossing guards, parents, school bus drivers, teachers, and school administrators are all out there working to keep our children safe. It’s up to us to stay aware, keep distractions to a minimum, and know the rules. 

Make sure your car is properly maintained as something as simple as properly inflated tires can help you stop on a dime when you need to most. Avid Autowerx want to partner with you to keep your vehicle safe in the Cincinnati school zones and beyond. Make your appointment today!