Back to School Driving Safety

Part of a Safety Always culture is to be safe at work, home, and play. School is starting up and we want to remind everyone about taking extra precautions while traveling. Our kids need to be kept safe also! When driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if driving behind a car. This will allow for more time to stop once the signal lights start flashing. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children; there are exceptions depending on how many traffic lanes. Please visit http://www.schooltrainingsolutions.com/state-laws/ to find out about lane restriction laws in your state.

• Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load
  or unload children.
• If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop.
• The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter
  and exit the bus.
• Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks.

This information has been brought to you by the National Safety Council.

General Driving Hazards

Physical Conditions

• Construction zones
• Pot holes
• Debris
• Inclement weather

Drivers

• Teen drivers
• Impaired drivers
• Distracted drivers
• Angry drivers

Other Road Vehicles

• Bicyclists
• Farm machinery
• Construction machinery

Darting Objects

• Animals
• Distracted walkers
• Children

Safe Driving Reminders for a Safety Always Culture

• Drive the speed limit
• Avoid distractions
• Abide all traffic laws
• Wear your seat belt
• Be aware of your surroundings
  (pedestrians, other traffic, etc.)

Many employers have a vehicle safety policy when traveling on the job. Please take time to become familiar with your company’s requirements. For more information on driver safety please visit: http://www.nsc.org/learn/Pages/nsc-on-the-road.aspx