Mint Hill Toyota Offers Back to School Driving Tips

Aug 17, 2012

As summer starts to wind down and people begin preparing for another school year, it’s time to remind all drivers of back to school driving safety tips. People without school aged children are more likely to forget the need to exercise caution on the roads when buses are out. Your Mint Hill Toyota dealer offers the following practical safety tips for keeping you, your family, and school aged children safe this school year:

Remember School Bus Laws

Don’t get impatient if you are stuck behind a school bus. Your impatience may lead you to break North Carolina school bus laws and put yourself, other cars, and children at risk. If you find yourself stuck behind school buses regularly on the way to or from work, consider living earlier or later to avoid them. Never drive around a stopped bus.

Watch for School Zone Speed Limits

Remember during the school year that roads passing by and around schools will typically have a lower posted speed limit than they do during the summer months when school is not in session. School zones are clearly marked with signs, speed limits, times the limit is in effect and usually with flashing lights. Make sure you slow down so you can stop quickly if necessary, and also to avoid a very costly speeding ticket if you’re caught speeding through a school zone.

Watch for Children

Children are taught to look both ways before crossing a street, and to wait for the bus driver to signal him or her to cross in front of the bus but they are often impulsive. Every year, children are killed when they run out in front of cars unexpectedly. When you see buses in the area, drive slower and be prepared to stop for the unexpected child who may dart in front of you without thinking of the consequences.