Summer has flown by, and many of us are gearing up to send the kids back to school. Especially during this time of year, the roads can get busy—between school buses and children walking to school, so it’s important to be an alert driver. At Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen, our Phoenix area Volkswagen dealer, we’ve got a few tips to help you and your little ones stay safe while heading back to school.
You’ve probably noticed school zones around your children’s schools. These school zones are meant to keep kids safe as they arrive and leave school, but many times, they pose a risk for both pedestrians and motorists. Though it may be hard to believe, many drivers fail to stop or slow down in or near school zones—even with a crossing guard present. The most dangerous time for school zones are during the after-school period between 3 and 4pm. In fact, more school-aged pedestrians are killed by motorists during that time than any other time of day.
We can prevent these injuries and deaths in school zones by teaching our children how to safely cross the street and making sure that we’re alert when behind the wheel. It’s important for Phoenix area Volkswagen drivers to understand that the majority of people walking in the school zone probably don’t know the laws, and so it’s our duty to keep an eye out for all pedestrians—especially younger ones who may be distracted by their iPods or iPhones.
Here are a few ways that we can keep everybody safe during the school year:
Stop properly at stop signs and crosswalks
It’s illegal to pass through either a stationary stop sign or one held by a crossing guard or other safety representative.
Wait your turn near school buses
In all 50 states, it’s illegal to pass a bus on undivided roadways if it’s stopped to load and unload children. Be sure you know the rules in your state, and never pass a school bus on the right.
Pay attention to bus warning lights
A yellow flashing light means the bus is preparing to stop to let kids off. A red light means that kids are currently getting on or off the bus.
To learn more about how you can do your part to keep the roads safe during the school year, contact Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen at (602) 714-3968.
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