What to Watch Out for When You Drive During the School Year

As the school year begins, it brings more than just homework and after-school activities. For drivers, it also means navigating through school zones, watching out for school buses, and adjusting to increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Driving during the school year requires extra caution, patience, and awareness. Whether you're a parent dropping off your kids, a student driver, or someone simply passing through school areas, it’s essential to understand the challenges and safety concerns that come with it.

At Get Drivers Ed, we prioritize safe driving habits year-round, but driving during the school year requires even more vigilance. In this blog, we’ll explore what you need to watch out for when driving during the school year and provide useful tips to keep you, pedestrians, and students safe.

1. Increased Traffic in School Zones

Slower Speed Limits

One of the most critical things to watch out for when driving during the school year is school zones. Most school zones have reduced speed limits to protect children who may be walking or riding bicycles near the school. It’s important to slow down and follow the posted speed limit, which is typically between 15-25 mph, depending on your state or city.

Failure to follow school zone speed limits can result in hefty fines and increased penalties, especially during school hours. More importantly, reducing your speed in school zones helps prevent accidents that can be caused by unexpected pedestrian crossings or children running into the street.

Increased Congestion During Drop-Off and Pick-Up

School zones are also notorious for increased congestion, especially during drop-off and pick-up times. Parents lining up to drop off or pick up their children can cause traffic jams, often leading to drivers becoming impatient and making unsafe maneuvers.

At Get Drivers Ed, we recommend that you plan for extra travel time during the school year to account for these busy periods. Avoid weaving between cars or rushing through crowded school zones, as this increases the risk of accidents. Instead, maintain a safe following distance, be patient, and stay focused on the road.

2. Watch Out for School Buses

Stopping for School Buses

When driving during the school year, you must pay special attention to school buses. School buses make frequent stops to pick up and drop off children, and in most states, it's illegal to pass a school bus when its stop sign arm is extended, and its lights are flashing.

If a school bus is stopped, all traffic traveling in the same direction (and sometimes traffic from the opposite direction, depending on state laws) must stop. Children crossing the street may be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to stay alert, even after the bus moves. Failing to stop for a school bus can result in steep fines and points on your driving record.

Giving Buses Extra Space

School buses are larger and harder to maneuver than regular vehicles. They need extra space to make turns and come to complete stops. When driving behind a school bus, maintain a greater following distance than usual. This will give you more time to react when the bus stops suddenly or when children are boarding or exiting.

If you're on a road with multiple lanes, it’s a good idea to give school buses extra room and avoid passing on the right, as children might unexpectedly cross in front of you.

3. Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists

Children Walking to and from School

One of the biggest hazards to watch out for when driving during the school year is the increase in pedestrians, especially children walking to and from school. Many students walk in groups, and they may not always be paying attention to the road. Children are more likely to run into the street, cross without looking, or use headphones, making it harder for them to hear approaching vehicles.

As a driver, it’s your responsibility to be extra cautious in areas where children are walking. Be on the lookout for crossing guards, crosswalks, and other signals that indicate high pedestrian activity. Always slow down near crosswalks and yield to pedestrians, even if they are crossing slowly or not at designated crosswalks.

Increased Cyclist Traffic

During the school year, you may also notice an increase in bicyclists, especially in neighborhoods near schools. Many students bike to and from school, and not all of them may follow the rules of the road. Cyclists, especially young ones, can be unpredictable and may not always signal their intentions.

When sharing the road with bicyclists, always give them plenty of space—at least three feet of clearance is recommended. Be cautious when turning, especially if you’re making a right turn where a cyclist might be in your blind spot.

At Get Drivers Ed, we emphasize the importance of being aware of all road users, especially the more vulnerable ones like pedestrians and cyclists.

4. Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions

Put Away Your Phone

Distracted driving is dangerous at any time, but it's particularly hazardous when driving during the school year. The increased presence of pedestrians, school buses, and congestion means that drivers need to be more focused than ever. Texting, adjusting the GPS, or even eating while driving can divert your attention from the road.

If you need to use your phone, pull over to a safe location, especially if you’re driving in school zones or near bus stops. At Get Drivers Ed, we encourage drivers to practice defensive driving techniques and avoid all distractions behind the wheel.

Watch for Unpredictable Behavior

Young pedestrians and cyclists are often unpredictable, and as a driver, it’s essential to stay alert for any sudden actions they might take. Children can be easily distracted by friends, toys, or their environment, making them more likely to dart into the road without warning.

Always drive defensively and expect the unexpected, especially in school zones and residential neighborhoods.

5. Keep an Eye on Weather Conditions

Adjust for Seasonal Changes

As the school year progresses, weather conditions may change, and it's essential to adjust your driving accordingly. In the fall and winter months, you may encounter rain, fog, or icy conditions, all of which can make the roads more dangerous.

Slippery roads and poor visibility increase the likelihood of accidents, especially in school zones where you may need to stop suddenly for pedestrians or buses. Be sure to slow down in inclement weather, keep your headlights on, and increase your following distance to give yourself more time to react.

Prepare for Darker Mornings and Evenings

As daylight hours get shorter, many students will be walking or biking to school in the dark, particularly in the early morning or evening. This makes them harder to see, especially if they’re wearing dark clothing. Ensure that your headlights and brake lights are working correctly, and always remain extra cautious in low-light conditions.

Conclusion: Stay Safe During the School Year

Driving during the school year comes with unique challenges, including increased traffic in school zones, school buses making frequent stops, and a higher number of pedestrians and cyclists on the road. To keep everyone safe, it's crucial to slow down, stay alert, and always be prepared for unpredictable behavior from young pedestrians and cyclists.

At Get Drivers Ed, we’re committed to promoting safe driving habits year-round. Whether you're a new driver or a seasoned one, our driver education courses offer valuable insights and tips to help you stay safe on the road. Stay focused, drive responsibly, and let’s all do our part to protect our communities during the school year!