Back-to-School primer well worth a look

With the start of another school year just around the corner, there are some things drivers should consider as they head out in their cars to work.

After a summer of great weather, clear roads and trips to the cottage, getting back into the groove of the school year is something that affects many county residents.

Each year there’s a new group of little ones in Grade Primary that are just learning the ropes of road safely and many will have taken their first bus rides to school and home again.

Drivers must be aware that bus times may conflict with work travel times. If this is a concern, try leaving a bit earlier or later. Remember that when a bus stops, there are children of all ages disembarking and heading in different directions toward their homes. Go slower, be patient; it could be your kids walking along the side of a busy road.

Children don’t have the same sense of distance and speed perception as adults. A child may walk onto the road thinking he has lots of time to cross safely when in reality he’s far too close to oncoming traffic.

Bicycles are another major factor to consider as school begins. Because roads are narrow and few (if any) have lanes for cyclists or pedestrians, children are left with no choice but to ride on the road itself or along the shoulder.

With the increased number of large trucks hauling logs or other heavy loads, it’s especially important for parents who live on or near such avenues to take extra precautions when walking children to the bus stop, driving them to school or when the kids light out on their bicycles.

Most schools are diligent about getting students to and from school safely, but that depends on everyone doing their part to make it happen.

Drivers should try to keep a vigilant eye on traffic and other possible obstructions within a 360-degree radius around the bus. The last thing a bus driver wants, or needs, is a tailgater trying to pass, often where it’s not safe to do so.

Such actions place everyone from the driver trying to pass to the students, bus driver and oncoming traffic in jeopardy. Slow down and pass only when it’s safe to do so.

As fall approaches, another hidden danger lurks on the surface of the road – ice. There will be mornings very soon when ice will form on roadways.

Buses aren’t equipped with four-wheel drive and are subject to the same slippery conditions as other vehicles. Many drivers think a bus is large and therefore have a false sense of security about the vehicle’s ability to stay on the road.

Bus drivers are only human and they have a very important job to get children safely to school and back home again. If they drive slower than ‘normal’ it’s because conditions warrant such caution and they care about their precious cargo.

Above all, keep alert and be prepared for anything. Drive safe and let’s hope this year will be one where no one is injured by the carelessness of another. We all have a job to do; let’s keep our kids safe while we’re at it.