Attention drivers!

As students head back to school, drivers should expect more buses, pedestrians and bicyclists on the road. Here are some back-to-school driving safety tips.

Think of the morning craziness when dropping off kids: traffic congestion around the school, buses loading and unloading students, children riding bicycles, and parents hurrying to get to work. The same is true during afternoon pickup. Slow down in active school zones and obey all crossing guard signals.

According to the National Safety Council, most children who lose their lives in school bus-related incidents are 4 to 7 years old and are pedestrians. These tragedies can occur when a motorist illegally passes a stopped school bus.

Don’t block a crosswalk at a red light or while waiting to make a turn. Doing so can force pedestrians to walk around your vehicle and into the path of moving traffic.
• Most schools have specific drop-off procedures. Be sure you know them.

• Don’t load or unload children across the street from the school.
• Consider carpooling. It can reduce the number of vehicles at the school.
• When school zone flashers are active, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the street.
• Pay attention to crossing guards.
• Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.

• Never pass a school bus from behind on an undivided road. It is likely stopped to load or unload children.
• When stopping behind a school bus, leave enough space for children to safely enter and exit the bus.
• Be alert. Children can be unpredictable and may cross midblock or step out from between parked cars.
• Pay extra attention to children riding bicycles to school. Young children often are not able to accurately judge traffic conditions.
Drivers have a lot to pay attention to in school zones. As school begins, exercise extra care and caution, plan ahead, leave a little early and remember: Head up. Phone down.

Cinda Seamon is the Community Risk Reduction & Outreach Program Coordinator for Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue.