Teen drivers should slow down, stay focused, follow traffic laws, and give themselves extra time when school traffic becomes busy. The return to school brings more vehicles, pedestrians, buses, cyclists, and inexperienced drivers onto the roads at the same time.
Understanding what to do after a back-to-school traffic accident is also important, but preventing a crash should always be the first priority.
The beginning of a school year can change normal driving patterns almost overnight. Roads that were relatively quiet during summer may become crowded during morning drop-off and afternoon pickup. Teen drivers should expect these changes and adjust their habits accordingly.
1. Put the Phone Away Before Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most avoidable dangers for young motorists.
Reading a text, checking social media, changing music, or reaching for a phone can take attention away from the road for several seconds. That can be enough time to miss a stopped vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, or changing traffic signal.
Teen drivers should silence notifications and put their phones somewhere they cannot easily reach while driving. If navigation is necessary, the route should be programmed before the vehicle starts moving.
2. Slow Down Around School Zones
School zones require extra attention because children may cross streets unexpectedly.
Drivers should follow posted speed limits and watch carefully for crossing guards, school buses, pedestrians, and vehicles stopping near the curb. A driver should never assume that a child will wait for a vehicle to pass before entering the roadway.
Teen drivers should also avoid rushing through school areas simply because they are running late. Leaving home earlier can reduce pressure and provide more time to react to unexpected situations.
3. Leave More Following Distance
Heavy school traffic often involves frequent stops and sudden changes in speed.
Following too closely gives a driver less time to react if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly. Teen drivers should maintain a safe following distance and increase that distance when roads are wet or visibility is poor.
Extra space is particularly useful around school buses and vehicles carrying children because stops can happen quickly.
4. Watch for School Buses
School buses make frequent stops during the school year, and drivers must understand the rules governing vehicles that are loading or unloading children.
When a school bus displays its stop signals, drivers may be required to stop depending on the roadway configuration and applicable state law. Passing a stopped school bus can put children at serious risk.
Teen drivers should never attempt to pass a bus simply because they are in a hurry. If there is uncertainty about whether they are required to stop, they should follow the applicable traffic rules and exercise extreme caution.
5. Be Careful with Teen Passengers
Having friends in the vehicle can create distractions for inexperienced drivers.
Teen passengers may talk loudly, play music, use phones, or otherwise draw the driver’s attention away from traffic. Drivers should make it clear that safety comes first and avoid allowing passengers to interfere with driving.
Young drivers should also understand that additional passengers can affect their ability to concentrate and respond to changing road conditions.
What to Do If a School-Year Crash Happens
Even careful drivers can become involved in accidents caused by someone else’s actions. If a crash occurs, the driver should stop, check for injuries, and call emergency services when necessary.
Drivers should exchange required information and avoid admitting fault at the scene before all circumstances are understood. When possible, photographs of the vehicles, roadway, traffic signs, and surrounding area can preserve useful evidence.
Witness contact information can also be valuable. A police report may provide additional information about how the collision occurred.
Parents should also make sure their teen understands what information to provide to an insurance company and when professional legal advice may be appropriate.
Key Takeaways
- Teen drivers should expect heavier traffic when school resumes.
- Phones and other distractions should be put away before driving.
- Drivers should slow down and remain alert in school zones.
- Maintaining extra following distance provides more reaction time.
- School buses require special attention and compliance with applicable stopping rules.
- Teen passengers should not distract the driver.
- After a crash, drivers should check for injuries, report the collision when required, and preserve useful evidence.
