School is officially in session. And while kids are
brushing up on their math and language arts skills, it’s important for drivers
to slow down and keep an eye out for kids around schools and their
neighborhoods. Here are some driving tips to keep in mind as kids head back to
the classroom.

1. School
   Zones – it’s important to pay attention to the school zone areas around
   schools. Most often, schools have flashing lights with a posted speed limit
   sign for school zones during the morning drop off and afternoon dismissal.
   However, pay close attention during off hours when the lights come on for
   sports or band practices or other school 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 give the bus enough space if you’re behind it and to
   give kids enough space to cross the street, as you’re approaching a bus. 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 Procedures- I f you’re a parent and regularly drop kids off to
   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 general 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. Make sure your
   driving skills are 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 any one traveling in the mornings
   or afternoons 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.

With all of these tips in mind,
talk to you kids about transportation safety and walking or riding around
school. Check to make sure they understand the basics of traveling to and from
school and explain safety tips they can relate to.

For All Drivers:

• Drive cautiously through school zones. Most often, schools have flashing lights with a posted speed limit sign for school zones during the morning drop off and afternoon dismissal. However, pay close attention during off hours if the lights come on for sports or band practices or other school events. Speeding fines are typically increased in school zones.
• Watch for crossing guards. They’re usually easy to spot with high-visibility gear or handheld stop signs. Crossing guards and patrol officers help kids cross the street safely, so yield to their instructions.
• Leave space for buses. The 10 feet surrounding buses is where kids are most likely to get hurt. If you are behind the bus, leave more following distance than you would for a car. This gives ample space for the bus to make complete stops. If you are approaching the bus, allow at least 10 feet for the kids to safely cross the street in front of you.
• Do not pass a stopped bus. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a bus that is stopped to load or unload children. If you see flashing yellow or red lights and the bus extend its arm, traffic must stop.
• Stay alert. It’s always important to avoid distractions in the car, such as cell phones or other electronic devices. This is especially true in pedestrian-heavy zones, like schools, parks and residential areas.
• Be prepared for traffic. Drop off and pickup times are peak commute times. Leave early and watch for other cars, buses, pedestrians and bikers.

For School Drop-Off and Pickup Lanes

• Don’t double park. All parents are eager to get in and out, but double parking blocks visibility for other children and vehicles.
• Follow the flow. If you’re in a rush, it might be tempting to drop your kids off across the street – but crossing traffic can be dangerous. Use the school’s designated drop-off (and pickup) lanes to avoid unnecessary street crossings.
• Carpool with other families. Consider sharing driving duty with other families in your neighborhood. This will reduce the number of vehicles (and traffic problems) at the school. Plus, you’ll earn a gold star for being environmentally friendly!

Finally: Remember to talk to you kids about transportation safety and walking or riding around school. Check to make sure they understand the basics of traveling to and from school, like looking both ways before they cross the street. Their teachers can help you explain safety tips in an age-appropriate way.

At Whitbeck Insurance, we value your family’s safety. We are always thinking about ways to protect you, your loved ones and your vehicle — both this school year and every year. Talk to your local ERIE agent today to find the right auto insurance coverage for you and your family.