As August rolls in, so does that familiar buzz: school is almost back in session! Here in our community, that means more cars on the road, more kids walking and biking, and, crucially, the return of those big yellow school buses. It also means many new, often inexperienced, teen drivers will be navigating their daily commutes.
At Bucher Insurance, we’re all about safety – on the road and in your home. Sharing the road safely is a collective effort, and a little extra awareness can prevent accidents and keep everyone protected. Let’s harvest some safe driving habits for the season ahead!
1. Be a School Bus Stop Super-Star
School buses are easily the most recognizable sign that school is back. They’re also heavily regulated for safety, and knowing the rules around them is paramount.
- Flashing Yellow Lights: These mean the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Slow down and prepare to stop.
- Flashing Red Lights and Extended Stop Arm: This is the universal sign to STOP. You must stop at least 10 feet from the bus, regardless of which direction you’re traveling, if you are on a two-lane road or a multi-lane road where all lanes are traveling in the same direction as the bus. Only proceed once the red lights are off, the stop arm is retracted, and the bus begins to move.
- Divided Highways: If you are on a highway with four or more lanes, and at least two lanes are going in the opposite direction, you do not have to stop if you are traveling in the opposite direction of the bus. However, exercise extreme caution.
- Stay Alert: Kids can be unpredictable! Always assume a child might dart out unexpectedly.
2. Slow Down in School Zones & Residential Areas
School zones are clearly marked for a reason. Reduced speed limits are strictly enforced during school hours because children are frequently crossing streets or walking along sidewalks.
- Pay Attention to Signage: Be aware of flashing lights on school zone signs indicating active times.
- Scan for Pedestrians: Keep an eye out for children walking, biking, or waiting for buses, especially before and after school hours. Avoid distractions like cell phones in these areas.
- Expect the Unexpected: Children may not always look before crossing or adhere strictly to traffic signals.
3. Give New Teen Drivers Extra Space (and Grace)
August also brings a surge of newly licensed teen drivers to the roads, many navigating their first school year as independent commuters.
- Patience is Key: Remember your own early driving days! These drivers are still gaining experience. Give them plenty of room, especially when they are turning or changing lanes.
- Anticipate Hesitation: New drivers may be slower to react, stop abruptly, or make wide turns. Be patient and defensive.
- Lead by Example: If you have a new driver in your household, reinforce safe driving habits by modeling them yourself. Avoid speeding, distracted driving, and aggressive maneuvers.
4. Avoid Distractions: Focus on the Road
This is an evergreen tip, but it becomes even more critical with increased pedestrian and school bus traffic.
- Put the Phone Down: Texting or talking on a handheld device is illegal and incredibly dangerous. Even hands-free devices can be distracting.
- Limit Other Distractions: Eating, applying makeup, fiddling with the radio – these all take your eyes and mind off the road, where they need to be.
Safe Driving Habits & Your Auto Insurance
Practicing safe driving habits isn’t just about preventing accidents; it can also positively impact your auto insurance rates over time. A clean driving record, free of accidents and violations, can qualify you for various discounts. If you have a teen driver, inquire about “good student” discounts or discounts for completing approved defensive driving courses.
Let’s work together to make our roads safer this August. A little extra caution and awareness from everyone goes a long way.
