HOW IS THE PANDEMIC GOING TO AFFECT DRIVING SAFETY AT SCHOOLS?
According to Findings Press, the Pandemic has resulted in fewer cars but increased speeds. This may be due to the empty roads. According to an statistics from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation cited by Los Angeles Times, there was only a slight decrease in traffic fatalities even though traffic volume was down 30% – 50%. Needless to say, the roads are still, if not more, dangerous.
SCHOOL'S OPEN - DRIVE CAREFULLY
The American Automobile Association launches an annual “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” campaign. In these campaigns, they describe the increased risks of driving when school is opening back up.
Usually, back-to-school sessions would result in an increase in foot traffic on sidewalks, crosswalks, and school zones. During the Pandemic, there are more who are learning virtually. That being said, everywhere should be considered a “school zone,” according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.
There are different safety challenges for drivers, meaning that there may be more bicyclists and pedestrians during the day in local neighborhoods.
"This year's extraordinary circumstances require that motorists carry that same vigilance wherever they drive, as typical school zone activity moves closer to home."
The AAA came out with many of the following tips:
- Drive slow. In school zones, speed limits are lower. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle at 35 mph is 66% more likely to be killed than a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at 25 mph. Many school districts have different bus loading and unloading times so that students are more safely separated. Therefore, school zones will likely be in high activity for longer periods of time.
- Anticipate young pedestrians in neighborhoods during the day. Because more young students learning virtually, they may be outside playing at various parts of the day. Therefore, neighborhoods should be treated as school zones. Slow down and watch for kids near the street.
- Stop completely. Research according to AAA shows that over 33% of drivers do not completely stop at stop signs in neighborhoods or school zones. Come to a complete stop, and always look for young pedestrians on crosswalks and sidewalks before driving through.
- Take away distractions. Even if a person takes their eyes off the road for two seconds, their risk of crashing doubles. Young pedestrians can sometimes dart out into the street unexpectedly.
- Look out for bicyclists. Kids on bicycles are many times not so experienced or predictable. You should drive slowly and have at least three feet between you and any bicyclist on the road. Every bicyclist should also be wearing a properly fitted helmet.
BACK TO SCHOOL SAFE DRIVING TIPS
The National Safety Council also came out with various guidelines to follow in regard to driving near schools. School days can result in more traffic. School buses are loading and unloading, parents are picking up and dropping off kids, and children on bicycles going fast to get to class on time.
SCHOOL ZONE DRIVING SAFETY TIPS
In school zones, obey the posted speed limit, yield to crossing guards, and never pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights. Watch for children who may step into the roadway between parked cars, and leave extra following distance during drop-off and pick-up times.
Parents, keep your teen safe behind the wheel this summer. Lead by example; stay engaged; and discuss the dangers of impaired driving, distraction, and speeding. Have your teen complete a comprehensive driver education course. #100DeadliestDays https://t.co/76z92PEw6o pic.twitter.com/tlB32CkQgL
— Auto Club of SoCal (@AAASoCal) June 12, 2021
SHARING THE ROAD WITH YOUNG PEDESTRIANS
Young pedestrians can be hard to see and may not look both ways. Slow down near playgrounds, parks, and residential streets after school hours. Make eye contact when possible, and always stop fully for marked crosswalks—even when no crossing guard is present.
SHARING THE ROAD WITH SCHOOL BUSES
California law requires drivers to stop for school buses that are loading or unloading with red lights flashing and the stop-arm extended. Stay stopped until the lights turn off and the bus begins moving. Never try to squeeze past a bus on the right in a loading zone.
SHARING THE ROAD WITH BICYCLISTS
Give child bicyclists at least three feet of clearance, check mirrors before turning, and open car doors carefully when parked. Expect unpredictable movements near schools and allow extra time rather than rushing through busy corridors.
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