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As summer comes to an end and students head back to class, schedules and roads are about to become much busier. From hectic drop-off zones to crowded residential streets, the start of the school year creates a more complex and demanding driving environment.  With so much activity happening at once, it's more important than ever for drivers to slow down and stay alert. Making road safety a priority is one of the most important lessons we can learn, and a few simple reminders go a long way in keeping everyone safe. 

Kids, Cars, and Congestion  

Once schools reopen full-time, drivers can expect an uptick in vehicle and foot traffic as students, parents, and faculty all resume their daily commutes to and from schools.  

During the morning and afternoon rush hours, roads are much more congested as parents drop off and pick up their kids. School zones, designated drop-off areas, and nearby streets are hot spots for congestion-related traffic conflicts. Unexpected stops, sudden turns, and heavy traffic volumes in these areas can create potentially hazardous scenarios and increase the risk of collisions.  

“Nearly 6 in 10 Canadians say there are more unsafe driving practices in school zones today than in the past.” 

Vehicle crowding in school zones can also reduce visibility for drivers. This heightens the danger for pedestrians, especially small children, who are easily obscured by parked cars, and even more so by large family vehicles like SUVs. As children walk and bike to school, drivers need to be alert and prepared for the unexpected. A moment of inattention, or a few extra miles per hour, can have serious consequences when children are involved.  

25% of drivers reported witnessing a near miss or collision in a school zone, more than half of which involved a child. 

Driving Safely Around School Buses  

With the start of the school year, school buses become a regular presence on the road, particularly in residential neighborhoods. Drivers traveling along bus routes should expect frequent stops, so give plenty of space and be prepared to brake rather than try to rush past a slow school bus. In every state, it's illegal to pass a school bus with its stop-arm out and its red lights flashing when approaching from the rear. On roads without a median divider, passing from the opposite direction is also prohibited. Drivers must remain stopped until the school bus turns off its lights and starts moving again.  

“The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus” 

Even if you don't immediately see children nearby, the presence of a school bus is a good indicator that children may be in the area and that you should exercise extra caution. Students crossing in front or behind the bus can be difficult to spot and may step into the roadway suddenly while focusing on getting to the bus rather than watching traffic.  

Plan Your Drive  

Your daily drive may take longer than it has over the summer months, so be prepared to adjust your routine and anticipate delays. Drivers frustrated by slower traffic may be tempted to speed, take shortcuts, or make aggressive maneuvers. However, a few minutes saved is never worth compromising the safety of children, pedestrians, or other road users. Be sure to check your normal route for posted school zone signs, as reduced limits may come into effect during designated school hours. Fines for speeding in school areas can also be significantly higher, making it important to slow down not only for safety, but to avoid costly penalties as well. 

By staying alert and respecting school-zone safety measures, drivers can help reduce risks during one of the busiest times of the year. Remember: road safety is a shared responsibility, and ensuring everyone can get to school safely should always be the top priority.  

Sources:  

https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/school-safety/back-to-school-safety-tips-for-drivers?srsltid=AfmBOoplv5a4vMQFhH9LysJdR-IUbKc72e2IWeqEdyFqR0XidePabmfU#/ 

https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation/road-safety/vision-zero/educational-campaigns/back-to-school-road-safety/ 

https://www.caa.ca/driving-safely/school-zone-safety/ 

https://www.otip.com/why-otip/news/back-to-school-driving-safety-what-every-driver-should-know