It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Can you believe that we’re heading into the final weeks of summer and kids will be heading back to school soon? With so many online articles and blogs sharing their tips for back to school road safety, we were inspired to share a collaboration of two articles written by the National Safety Council and Organized Home.
With everyone home from summer road-trips and heading to school drop-off zones, it’s more important than ever to pay attention in school zones and share the road with other drivers. Did you know that more children are hit by cars in school zones than at any other location?* The National Safety Council shares the following tips:
- Avoid double parking; it blocks visibility for children & vehicles
- Load and unload children in front of the school, not across the street
- Carpool to reduce number of vehicles in school zones
Did you know that walking children between the ages of 4-7 are mostly likely to lose 
their lives in bus-related incidents?* Not only is it important to take extra care in school zones, but also in neighborhoods surrounding local schools. With nice weather in Baltimore extending into November, it’s likely that many students will be walking to school versus taking the bus. The National Safety Council says:
- Stop and yield to pedestrians walking across the street
- Take extra care to look out for students and children in school zones, near playgrounds and in all residential areas
- Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
- No matter who has the right of way, use extreme caution when driving around pedestrians and children
According to The National Safety Council, it is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to pick up and drop off students. It is important to stay alert when following a school bus and to leave a safe amount of space between your car and any school bus.
Heading back to school can be a tough adjustment for not only kids, but the entire family. Gone are the days of sleeping in and making plans on the fly; the school year means meshing everyone’s schedules together and staying organized! Organized Home suggests making a calendar (on paper or online) that both parents and/or all members of the family can refer to throughout the week.
“Color-coding entries by family member helps keep busy lives straight.”
– Organized Home
The weekends seem to fly by when the school year starts, often making Monday morning a chaotic scene for every family. Organized Home suggests making a game-plan the night before of what needs to be done the next day, laying out your children(s) clothes before bedtime (adding independence to their routine!) and scanning all backpacks for homework, projects or library books.
“Each evening, think ahead to the following morning; where can you lighten the load?”
– Organized Home
Whether you’re heading into a new grade or off to college, our entire team at J.B.A. Chevrolet wishes you a fantastic school year ahead!
*National Safe Route to School Program
JBA Chevrolet
7327 Ritchie Highway
Glen Burnie, MD
410-766-6300
Sources: Organized Home | National Safety Council
