ERIE, Pa., Aug. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- It's back to school
time for many states across the U.S. More pedestrians and vehicles
will hit the streets, so it's important for drivers to slow
down and keep an eye out for kids around schools and their
neighborhoods.
At Erie Insurance safety is a top priority. Here are five
driving tips to keep in mind as kids head back to the
classroom.
1. School Zones – Pay attention to school zones.
Most often, schools have flashing lights with a posted speed limit
sign during the morning drop off and afternoon dismissal. However,
pay close attention during off hours when the lights come on for
sports, band practices or other school related events. Speeding
fines are typically doubled in school zones.
2. Bus Safety – Take extra precaution when
you're behind, or approaching, a school bus. It's important to
leave enough space between you and the bus to give kids room to
cross the street. Many buses have retractable crossing "arms" that
keep kids safely out in front of the bus when crossing the street
and visible to other drivers. And remember, it is illegal in
all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or
unload children.
3. School Drop Off Procedure –
If you're a parent and regularly drop kids off at school or
take turns in a car pool, it's important to plan ahead and
understand your school's drop off and pick up procedures. Some tips
to keep in mind from the National Safe Routes to School
Program are:
- Don't double park; it blocks visibility for other children and
vehicles.
- Don't load or unload children across the street from the
school.
- Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles at the school.
4. Stay Alert – As a parent or driver around
schools, it's important to avoid distractions in the car,
such as cell phones or other electronic devices. Your driving
skills should be on point, too. Make full stops at stop signs and
leave enough room for kids to cross the street. It's also a time to
teach kids by example. Your attention to safety and caution while
driving will resonate with them, especially teens, when they're
ready to get behind the wheel.
5. Be Prepared
for More Traffic – This goes for anyone traveling during the
beginning of the school day or end. There are more cars on the
roads during these peak commute times. It's important to not only
watch out for kids and children traveling on foot or by bike, but
keep an eye out for other motorists or school buses making sudden
stops. It's always a good idea to allow a few extra minutes in the
beginning of the school year to determine a new route or longer
commute if necessary.
Even when you follow all the rules an accident can happen. Your
Erie Insurance agent is there to make sure you get the right
coverage so if something bad ever comes your way; you're back on
the road, right away.
Erie Insurance Group
According to A.M. Best
Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie,
Pennsylvania, is the
9th largest homeowners insurer and 11th
largest automobile insurer in the United States based on
direct premiums written and the 16th largest
property/casualty insurer in the United States based on
total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+
(Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has more than 5 million
policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District
of Columbia. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500
company.
News releases and more information about Erie Insurance
Group are available at www.erieinsurance.com.
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SOURCE Erie Insurance