ERIE, Pa., Sept. 3, 2021 /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. School Buses –
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
– If you're a parent and regularly drop kids off at school
or take turns in a carpool, it's important to plan ahead and
understand your school's drop off and pick up procedures.
Some tips from the National Safety Council include:
- 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. Focusing –
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. 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.
About Erie Insurance
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in
Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 12th
largest homeowners insurer, 13th largest automobile insurer and
13th largest commercial lines insurer in the United States based on direct premiums
written. Founded in 1925, Erie Insurance is a Fortune 500 company
and the 16th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net
premium written. Rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, ERIE has more than 6 million policies in force
and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. News releases and more
information are available on ERIE's website at www.erieinsurance.com.
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SOURCE Erie Insurance Group