September brings many transitions. We put away our shorts and pull out our jeans. We buy school supplies. We eat and drink pumpkin spice everything (even ice cream!)
It’s also a time of year when more road accidents happen. There are new bus drivers, new routes, new routines. Because of this, it’s a good time to review safety tips that every driver and pedestrian should practice.
1. Drivers and pedestrians: Put the phone away.
By now hopefully we all know that distracted driving is dangerous. More than 8 people are killed and nearly 1000 injured every day in the U.S. in distracted driving crashes.
Please, while driving, put your devices away.
Walkers, you also need to be aware of your surroundings, especially when it’s dark, as it is earlier this time of year. About 1 of every 5 people killed by distracted drivers in 2018 were walking, riding bikes, or otherwise outside of vehicles.
Assume that drivers can’t see you, and make eye contact before crossing in front of any vehicle. Even when pedestrians have the right of way, remember that exercising that right without caution will hurt you a lot more than the 2-ton vehicle if it hits you.
2. Drivers, look out for kids. Kids, look out for drivers.
Schools reopening in fall means kids at bus stops, more traffic near schools, more buses on the roads, and maybe more inexperienced drivers.
Every state has laws to protect children who ride in school buses.
In Pennsylvania, drivers must follow the following rules:
- When you meet or overtake a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP. This includes traffic in both directions on undivided highways.
- When you approach an intersection where a school bus is stopped with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP.
- You MUST STOP at least ten (10) feet away from the school bus.
- You MUST WAIT until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving.
- DO NOT MOVE until all the children have reached a place of safety.
Students should walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing the street – never cross the street behind the bus.
Failing to follow laws about school buses can result in a 60-day driver’s license suspension, five points on your driving record, and a $250 fine.
3. Slow down and give space.
Slow down in school zones, slow down near buses, and slow down in slippery conditions like wet leaves and rain.
Maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you to allow for sudden stops or skidding on wet leaves.
Similarly, pedestrians should also keep a safe distance from moving vehicles.
Pedestrians should also be aware of wet leaves and slippery conditions, especially while crossing streets.
4. Drivers and pedestrians: make yourself visible.
Autumn brings with it two visibility challenges for drivers: increased sun glare and increased darkness.
In autumn, the sun moves closer to the horizon, pointing it straight into drivers’ eyes and reflecting at low angles off building and other reflective surfaces.
To reduce glare, drivers should have sunglasses handy, and keep windshields clear of streaks. At night, use headlights, and avoid looking directly into lights of oncoming traffic.
Pedestrians can be aware of these visibility challenges, staying aware of their surroundings, wearing reflective clothing at night or carrying a flashlight.
5. Parents, teach your kids pedestrian safety.
Parents are their children’s most important teachers, and that includes safety considerations.
Safe Kids Worldwide offers some practical things to teach your children about roadway safety:
- Teach kids at an early age to look left, right and left again before crossing the street.
- Walk on sidewalks or paths and cross at street corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
- Children under 10 need to cross the street with an adult. Every child is different, but developmentally, most kids are unable to judge the speed and distance of oncoming cars until age 10.
- Be a good role model. Set a good example by putting your phone, headphones and devices down when walking around cars.
We should all exercise caution on the road at all times of year. Keeping in mind the specific challenges of fall and winter can help everyone stay safe to enjoy their favorite pumpkin spice treats.
