It’s almost time for the back-to-school frenzy to begin. Once you’ve gotten the kids ready to make it through the new school year, you might think that your worries are over. The truth is that everyone of driving age has more to think about once school is in session again. Below are a few driving tips from personal injury lawyers in Prince George that will help to keep everyone safer once school starts back up.
1. Slow down.
The speed limits around schools often change during peak hours, and it’s important for you to obey the changing traffic patterns. This is for several reasons. Firstly, there is usually heavy congestion resulting from parents dropping off and picking up their kids. Secondly, there are usually kids crossing the street or riding bicycles on their way home. Finally, school buses are typically unloading or leaving the parking lot, which means that drivers need to pay close attention.
2. Leave plenty of space.
Whether you’re stopping for a school bus or caught in school traffic, don’t be tempted to ride bumpers. Children can be unpredictable, and lawyers in Prince George warn that it’s common for buses and cars to brake unexpectedly. If you see a school bus with lights on or stop signs out, be sure to slow down and stop as soon as possible. Negligence and hurrying can harm you or a child, which is something that law firms in Prince George caution drivers about frequently.
3. Stay vigilant in suburban areas.
In the mornings and afternoons, it’s especially important for anyone behind the wheel to drive cautiously and defensively. Kids may be walking, skateboarding or riding bicycles along the side of the road, and they have a tendency to cross in front of cars without looking or signaling first. You should drive defensively in school zones during the school year as well. Children and teens are less likely to practice good safety habits, and Prince George lawyers see too many cases of kids being hurt by vehicles each year.
Safe Driving is an Important Part of Back-to-School Prep
Lawyers in Prince George, BC, always hope to minimize the number of personal injury cases that happen due to school-related driving accidents. Remember that children and teenage drivers do not always follow the proper safety rules when they’re walking or driving on the roads, so you must compensate for this in order to keep yourself and everyone around you safe once school is back in session. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident and need legal advice, don’t hesitate to contact the legal professionals at Dick Byl Law.