Back-to-school season is just around the corner! As students cram their bags with endless notebooks and parents rush their children into school buses, truck drivers need to slow down and consider the shift in the transportation industry.
Moreover, it’s now more important than ever for truckers to pay attention to the roads. Below, we’ll discuss several things you can do to keep the roads safe as children rush to and from school:
Maintain a Fair Distance between School Buses
Ensure that you maintain a significant distance between your truck and a school bus. Although frustrating, ensure you never overtake a bus with its lights flashing.
Doing this can risk hurting children crossing the street or end in hefty fines. Instead, adjust your routes to highways in the mornings and afternoons.
Be Extra Careful in School Zones
School zone rules and speed limits are essential, whether you’re late for a delivery or heading out. Truck drivers must slow down and pay attention when driving in a school zone.
Moreover, if you’re driving in an unfamiliar area, look for flashing lights, crosswalks, and highly pedestrianized areas.
Remove Any and All Distractions
Children are unpredictable and full of surprises. So, as a truck driver, it’s your duty to watch out for their safety. When you’re driving in a school zone, ensure your eyes remain fixed on the road.
Resist the urge to turn up the radio, check your phone, and talk on a call. In addition, avoid eating and adjusting the navigation while you’re behind the wheel. That way, you can ensure yours and the kid’s safety.
Be Aware of Areas with Heavy Traffic
When school buses park in front of you with the stop sign extended, you legally cannot drive past them since the bus is likely picking up or dropping off children.
While crucial for the safety of children, this change can be frustrating for truck drivers on a strict delivery schedule and following HOS rules. Therefore, to minimize delays caused by school buses, you must plan your routes for the day before heading out.
Keep on the Lookout for Student Drivers
Every new school year starts with numerous student drivers driving for the first time. These newly licensed drivers will likely make mistakes, so ensure you drive defensively.
Remember to remain patient, and don’t let your frustration win!
The Bottom Line
While back-to-school season can be transformative for the transportation world, drivers must proceed with caution and practice patience. That way, you can help keep children out of harm’s way and make the roads safer for kids to cross.
Remember to follow the tips above to ensure no one gets hurt!