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SAFE DRIVING TIPS
School yourself behind the wheel
With the kids back in class, don't take a recess on good driving habits
By Richard Russell
Thursday, September 11, 2003
Do you notice a difference in traffic? Perhaps more youngsters on the roadside? Big yellow buses everywhere? School's back in session and that brings a new set of challenges for drivers as they try to carry on with life and travel while coping with this annual situation. It's amazing how many drivers fail to take into account the changes in the traffic environment brought about by this one event. And even more frightening is how many motorists drive as if these interlopers inconvenience them.
Here are some things to watch for, now that school is back in session.
o School speed zone restrictions are back in effect and in some Canadian jurisdictions the hours have been expanded to include those times before and after regular school hours, when other activities might be taking place at the facility.
o Crosswalks take on renewed significance, especially during the morning and afternoon when they might contain errant youngsters trying to catch a friend or just plain trying to catch up because they are late and not paying attention. Traditionally, crosswalk guards have been posted at these locations to help youngsters survive. Financial cutbacks in many communities, however, means the crosswalk that was manned last year may not be this time around. Eyes up!
o School buses are on the road and whether moving or stopped to pick up or drop off their charges, are significant factors in the traffic scene. The biggest problem bus drivers face are speeding motorists too impatient to wait while the red lights are on and children are passing in front of the bus into traffic. An alert motorist will see the scene developing in time to take appropriate action.
Another area of considerable concern to safety experts is the area just outside of the school where folks pick up and drop off their youngsters. The same parent who is concerned about the safety and welfare of their own child will often drive in a manner that puts other children at risk. The problems occur when parents try to park too close to the school or crosswalk, blocking both the view and safe passage. These same drivers are often seen making illegal U-turns to get to the pickup spot or leave it. In addition to being oblivious to no-parking signs, many will also not think twice about blocking a driveway or even a crosswalk. Remember, the youngest of the school-bound children are often the most excited and the most inexperienced. These first few weeks of school, before they fall into a pattern, learn the rules and become familiar with the route, are the most dangerous. During this time they are likely to jump off a curb into traffic without thinking. These little people are distracted and forget the safety information drilled into them by parents, teachers, crossing guards, bus drivers and others. They can and will dart into traffic on a whim. Another related problem with older school-goers is headphones. These teenagers are all but oblivious to your presence and incapable of hearing a horn or other warning.
Each year we hear of a terrible tragedy when a vehicle strikes a youngster. Whether they were at fault or not is of little solace if you were the driver involved. And lest you think I'm picking on motorists suffering from brain fade, what about those parents who take their children by the hand across a street - between crosswalks. What a great way to teach ignorance of the law!
Now is the time for defensive driving of the first order. Assume the worst and plan for every eventuality involving school children. Be especially wary of tailgating, since this time of year the driver in front is more likely to stop suddenly and the extra following distance will give you more visibility.
Halifax-based Richard Russell operates the Advanced Driving Concepts driving school and is a driver training instructor for the American Automobile Association.
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