United Tire and Service News

School Zone Safety Tips for Drivers

9/24/2018 12:33:00 PM | (337) View Count | Return

The return of the school year can bring congestion and chaos back to streets in school zones. Children rush across the street to make it to school on time; parent line up in droves for drop-off and pick-up; and cyclists make their way in and around traffic and on sidewalks. There’s no better time than this to review some simple safety tips for driving in school zones — both before and after school.

Tips for School Zone Safety

A few precautions go a long way toward keeping children safe:

• Don't block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic

• In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection

• Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign

• Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas

• Don't honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way

• Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians

• Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way

Don’t Forget About Bicyclists!

On most roads, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles, but bikes can be hard to see. Children riding bikes create special problems for drivers because usually they are not able to properly determine traffic conditions. The most common cause of a collision is a driver turning left in front of a bicyclist.

• When passing a bicyclist, move in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist

• When turning left and a bicyclist is approaching in the opposite direction, wait for the rider to pass

• If you're turning right and a bicyclist is approaching from behind on the right, let the rider go through the intersection first, and always use your turn signals

• Watch for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling; children especially tend to do this

• Be extra vigilant in school zones and residential neighborhoods

• Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars

• Check side mirrors before opening your door

By exercising a little extra care and caution, drivers and pedestrians can co-exist safely in school zones. At United Tire and Service, safety and vehicle maintenance are of great importance to our staff of tire and auto repair professionals. Our locations across Pennsylvania are here for you when you need us. Whether it’s preventative maintenance or brake repair, let us help keep your vehicle safe and ready for the school year to come. Contact us today or schedule your appointment online!

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