September is a time of change and transition in nature. Mornings are getting cooler, days are getting shorter, and Michigan’s wildlife is starting to prepare for winter.
Just as the natural world changes during this time, so too do our daily routines. Students are returning to school, football is on the TV, and coat racks will be full before you know it.
One notable fall routine change has to do with driving. With school in session, thousands of new, inexperienced drivers will be hitting the road every morning and afternoon. The result: more traffic, more risk of accidents, and overall — more chaotic commutes.
This period can be stressful for parents of new drivers, as this may be the first time their children are on the road by themselves. The aim of this blog is to explain some of the most common difficulties for teenage drivers during the school year and how to face these challenges with confidence.
Increased Congestion
Driving to school for the first time can be a daunting task, especially for newly licensed drivers who have not yet made a rush hour commute.
What to expect: New drivers should not expect traffic to flow like it did in the summer time. With hundreds of students all making similar commutes every morning and afternoon, traffic volume will be at an unfamiliar high for inexperienced teen drivers.
This high volume of drivers on the road is usually accompanied by heavy stop-and-go, aggressive driving, and higher risk of accidents.
How to be prepared: Although this may be your teen driver’s first rodeo, they don’t have to drive like it is. To help prepare your teen for the stress of rush hour driving, here are a few tips you can leave them with before they hit the road:
- Leave 10–15 minutes earlier than usual to reduce rushing.
- Leave ample space between you and the driver in front of you to reduce the chance of an accidental rear end collision.
- Anticipate sudden stops and yield when in doubt.
- Stay alert for merging traffic especially near school zones.
With practice and preparation, new drivers can handle congested commutes confidently and safely.
School Zones & Pedestrian Safety
Something a student driver is sure to encounter on their way to school is a school zone. Reduced speed limits, flashing lights, and the unpredictable movement of children make these areas some of the most volatile driving environments.
What to expect: A new driver can expect some unfamiliar and potentially stressful encounters around a school zone.
For starters, the speed limit in school zones typically drops to 25 mph. In addition to this drop in the posted speed limit, crossing guards, buses, and parents dropping off children can cause sudden stops and unusual traffic patterns.
How to be prepared: Navigating a busy school zone doesn’t have to be stressful for new drivers. A couple tips to prepare your teen driver for their first school zone encounter include:
- Always obey posted speed limits – make sure to slow down if you see “School Zone” signage.
- Watch carefully for children near sidewalks, crosswalks, or between parked cars.
- Follow the directions of crossing guards at all times.
- Always yield for pedestrians when possible – pedestrians always have the right-of-way at cross walks and marked intersections.
Following these tips and being sure to take things slow will set your teen driver up for a safe and successful school year!
Â
Bus Safety
Another back-to-school related safety hazard is school buses. It’s important to be aware of these large vehicles and the laws surrounding their somewhat unusual driving patterns.
What to expect: School buses are big and make stops regularly. When a school bus stops to pick up kids or drop them off, alternating red lights will flash and more often than not, a stop sign will extend out from the side of the bus.
If your teen driver isn’t careful, they could wind up with a hefty ticket for illegally passing a school bus or even worse – crashed into the back of one.
How to be prepared: Being conscious of other cars on the road is a key to safe driving – especially when there are school buses in close proximity. Some tips for teen drivers who have never encountered a school bus on the road include:
- Make sure not to follow a school bus too closely – stops are often sudden and unpredictable.
- Not all bus stops are clearly marked. If you are behind a school bus (especially on a residential road), be prepared to stop.
- Do not attempt to pass a school bus while stopped. In most scenarios, you need to treat a stopped school bus like a red light. This also applies to traffic traveling opposite of the school bus (see graphic below).
- Leave at least 20ft between you and a stopped school bus.
- Only start driving again once the stopped bus resumes motion and/or the flashing lights and stop sign are unactuated.
Distracted Driving
No matter what age a driver is, no matter what road they are driving on, distracted driving should be avoided at all costs. Distracted driving is a major cause of car crashes in the United States and is nothing to be taken lightly – especially for new drivers!
As a parent or guardian of a new driver, it is of the utmost importance that you stress the importance of undistracted driving!
A quick glance down at your phone is sometimes all it takes to spell disaster behind the wheel. If you glance down at your phone for just 5 seconds while traveling at about 55 mph, you will have driven the length of an entire football field – completely unaware of what’s ahead!
This type of behavior is irresponsible and dangerous. To ensure a safe commute for your teen driver (and all others on the road), be sure to explain the consequences of distracted driving to them. A thoughtful word of advice could be the difference between life and death for your child (or someone else’s).
Get David Get Paid
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, do not hesitate in reaching out to Femminineo Law, today!
The team of trial lawyers here at Femminineo Law will win big for you! Whether it was a negligent bus driver, a lax crossing guard, or someone just wasn’t paying attention behind the wheel, Femminineo Law will get you the compensation you deserve.
Our thoughtful attorneys will guide you through every step of your case and will not stop fighting until you get justice.
Give us a call at 855-65-CRASH or visit our website at www.getdavidgetpaid.com.
