Aug 14, 2024
Back of school bus parked by trees

It’s back to school time, which means that many of us in the Bay Area have students returning to school. With more kids going to school comes new hazards on the road, but you can follow these tips to stay safe as a driver during back to school. 

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Slow Down!

The best thing you can do when driving in school zones or neighborhoods is to simply slow down. When you decrease your speed, you increase your reaction time. Students aren’t always the best at paying attention to their surroundings, 

Be Patient

New drivers are hitting the road on their way to school, which means more inexperienced drivers on the road. Remember when you started driving? It’s likely that you were nervous too, so try to be patient as you encounter a slow or hesitant fellow driver.

Pay Attention

There will naturally be more pedestrians and cyclists on the roads during back to school season, so be extra mindful as you make turns. Remember that students are smaller and may not be as easily visible, so staying vigilant and double checking your mirrors and blind spots can help you drive safely. 

Watch for Buses and School Zones

All drivers should understand what to do in school zones or when a bus starts flashing yellow lights. Always follow the speed limit in school zones when the lights flash – it’s the law for a good reason! Additionally, you must always stop when a school bus stops to let students off or on. When the bus flashes yellow, slow down and be ready to stop. Wait until they stop sign is put away before proceeding with caution.

School bus stop sign

Utilize Advanced Safety Features

Most newer vehicles have built-in advanced safety features like pedestrian alerts, around-view cameras, and crash prevention assistance. Make use of these features every time you drive, but especially in school zones where students are walking on foot. Be aware that some features may need to be activated, so try to get in the habit of doing so every time you drive. 

Stay safe on the road in a new vehicle with the latest features from Carnamic! We have a wide range of cars, trucks, SUVs, EVs, and more – all with the newest safety features. Check out our inventory online, then schedule a test drive to see advanced safety features in action.