Groups release safe driving tips
Going back to school poses increased driving risks for students and motorists, so state police, AAA East Central and PennDOT recently released tips to keep both students and drivers safe. AAA East Central reminds motorists to be alert for children as thousands of area students return to school and may forget about safety as they compare new backpacks and chat with old friends.
“Children get caught up in the excitement of the back-to-school season and forget to look out for cars,” said Terri Rae Anthony, safety advisor for AAA East Central. “Many youngsters have trouble making accurate judgments about traffic speed and distance, so drivers need to adjust their driving habits.
One-fifth of all children 14 years old and younger who die in motor vehicle crashes are pedestrians, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These pedestrian fatalities are more likely to happen in the afternoon hours when school is letting out.
“Drivers should always be aware of their surroundings, but especially around children,” said Anthony. “Remember: school’s open: drive carefully.”
PennDOT reminded motorists to be alert and remember the summer routine is ending and more kids will be walking streets and sidewalks on their way to school.
“Responsible drivers need to watch for students who are boarding or getting off school buses, and they should watch for crossing guards who are working to make sure children are safe as they cross streets,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen Biehler.
Police also urged drivers to practice extra precaution during this critical time of year.
Safety tips for parents and drivers:
– Motorists in both directions must stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing and a stop arm extended. Violators of the state’s school bus stopping law face a 60-day license suspension, five points on a driving record and a $250 fine.
– Watch for children who may dart into the street without looking and children playing around bus stops. Drivers should be extra alert when backing out of a driveway or garage. Last year in Pennsylvania there were 491 school bus crashes that caused 578 injuries.
Along with school bus safety, motorists also need to obey school zone speed limits, which are posted at 15 miles per hour.
– Adjust your driving schedule to minimize the chances of slowing down your morning or evening commute because of children walking to school or school buses stopping for students.
– Studies show more than one-third of motorists in school zones or neighborhoods just “roll through” intersections with a stop sign. Slow down in or near school and residential areas and be sure to come to a complete stop at all intersections.
– Drive with your headlights on, even during the day, so children and other drivers can clearly see you.
– Use extra care in areas where children may enter the road from between parked vehicles or other objects blocking a driver’s view. Watch out for bicycles.
– Remain stopped until a child crossing the street has left your lane of traffic and the adjacent lane and never pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk. Its driver may be waiting for someone to cross.
Safety tips for students:
– Stay out of the street while waiting for the bus.
– Do not shout, yell or sing while on the bus since it can distract the driver.
– Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before exiting.
– Wear bright clothing and allow extra time to walk to the bus stop.
– Walk 10 giant steps in front of the bus so the driver can see you.
– Never retrieve anything that falls under the bus.
– When crossing the street to get onto the bus, always watch for traffic by looking left, right, then left again. Walk away from the front of the bus so the driver can see you.
– After getting off the bus, move out of traffic.
– Walk with a friend if walking or biking to school and pay attention to all traffic signals and crossing guards. Never cross the street against a stoplight.
– Cross only at crosswalks and never run into the street from between parked cars. Look left, right and over your shoulder for traffic before crossing a street and continue to check each direction. Make sure drivers see you by making eye contact with them.
– If riding a bicycle, scooter or skateboard , always wear a helmet and ride in the same direction as traffic. Walk a bike across the street.
– Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into a car with a stranger. Always go straight home and tell your parents if a stranger tries to pick you up or talk to you.
For more information about Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping law visit PennDOT at www.dot.state.pa.us and click on the School Bus.