Back-to-school fleet driver safety tips
August 10, 2023
Summer is winding down and students are returning to school traveling by bus, in a family vehicle, and on foot or bicycle. It’s important for drivers to keep children’s safety in mind, adopting a mindset of vigilance, using extra caution, and giving the task of driving your undivided attention by avoiding distractions.
While students are 70 times more likely to get to school safely when taking the school bus instead of traveling by car according to the American School Bus Council, drivers can help make school bus transportation even safer.
Top 3 back-to-school driver safety tips
Respect the big yellow bus and its stop-arm
To ensure the safety of students and comply with the law, it is vital for drivers to familiarize themselves with school bus laws in their respective regions. This includes:
- Ensuring safe following and stopping distances,
- Slowing down for yellow flashing lights,
- Stopping for red lights and the stop-arm on the bus, and
- Never passing a school bus while students are loading and unloading, which is illegal in all U.S. states and Canadian provinces.
Recognize school zones
School zones represent areas of heightened vulnerability, necessitating increased attention and cautious driving. Reduce your speed according to school zone signage, use extra caution when backing up and obey crosswalks and crossing guards to help keep kids safe in school zones.
Be alert!
There are more distractions today than ever before. Remain vigilant in avoiding distracted driving to increase your ability to react quickly if needed. Watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists and use extra caution in congested school loading zones and parking lots.
Earn an A+ in back-to-school driving safety
By following these tips, you can help keep children safe as they return to school and all schoolyear long.
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