As summer winds down and stores fill with school supplies, we know back-to-school season is upon us. This busy time of year poses unique challenges for truck drivers across the nation.
CPC Director of Safety Isaac Harmon provides tips to help truck drivers do their part in keeping students safe as the school year begins.
The Basics
Remember that the same fundamentals of safe driving still apply during back-to-school season. Drivers should always:
- Reduce distractions.
- Watch their speed.
- Keep an eye out for pedestrians.
- Appropriately plan routes.
- Anticipate heavy traffic situations.
- Practice patience.
However, there are some specific back-to-school topics truck drivers should review at this time, including school zones, school buses and student drivers.
School Zones
School zones are areas and roadways that extend one to two blocks beyond school property. They are usually identified by signage, flashing lights and speed bumps. School zones typically have a speed limit between 15-25 miles per hour. These indications and regulations are necessary to keep all pedestrians safe and efficiently control vehicle and bus traffic.
Drivers who find themselves within a school zone at any time must be prepared to reduce their speed. With crossing guards, parents, teachers and children on the move, it is best to be aware of your surroundings. If possible, avoid school zones, particularly around busy times in the mornings and afternoons when the school day is beginning and ending. This makes it even more important to plan and know your route ahead of time.
School Buses
School bus drivers have a big responsibility. In addition to operating a large vehicle with 50-70 passengers, bus drivers must safely deliver children to their schools and homes all while maintaining order and mitigating distractions onboard. As truck drivers who share the road with these critical transportation professionals, you can help alleviate danger by maintaining awareness and implementing better habits, such as:
- Maintaining a safe distance behind school buses.
- Avoiding cutting in front of a school bus.
- Always stopping when a school bus in front of you makes a stop.
- Being patient as children load on or exit a bus.
- Keeping an eye out for bus stops with parents and children.
Additionally, each state has unique laws for yielding to school buses. Whether it’s instructions for stopping distances, oncoming traffic or when to proceed forward, drivers should check state regulations for their routes.
Student Drivers
At least 31 out of 50 states in the U.S. require teens to take driver’s education classes as they prepare for their license test. For many schools, these classes include a practice portion where students and instructors take to the roads. Keep an eye out for vehicles operated by student drivers. They should be labeled with a bumper sticker or alternative posting.
These inexperienced drivers should be met with caution and patience. Give these vehicles plenty of room and be vigilant in case defensive maneuvers need to be taken.
At CPC, we know our drivers are the best on the road. Let’s work together to keep children, families and educators safe as school begins this fall.