The end of summer comes too quickly for most of us. With summer vacations wrapping up, and traffic increasing as people go back to work and school, September means preparing yourself for different driving patterns and rules of the road. According to the David Douglas School District of Portland, Oregon, approximately 480,000 yellow school buses carry 25 million U.S. children to and from school every weekday. Depending on your delivery territory, this could mean a significant increase in the amount of traffic you and your drivers experience on a daily basis. With this comes the added responsibility of knowing and adhering to the rules of the road.
According to the National Safety Council, most of the children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are 4 to 7 years old, and they’re walking. They are either hit by the bus, or by a motorist illegally passing a stopped bus. Here are some things to remember to discuss with your drivers when preparing for deliveries during the upcoming school year:
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- Be on the lookout for school zones and always obey speed limits. Avoid traveling too fast for conditions.
- Watch for school crossing areas and obey the signals of the crossing guards.
- Drive defensively. Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
- Pay special attention when entering subdivisions. Control speed and watch for children playing and running in the street. Remember, children are more comfortable with their surroundings, thereby making them more likely to take risks and pay less attention when near their homes.
- Know your delivery territory. Be familiar with the area where you normally deliver and know your route.
Auto accidents can have a long-lasting effect on your wallet. Consider this: TVC (Total Vehicle Control) estimates at least 77% of traffic accidents are the result of driver error. One accident, regardless of fault, can leave you without the use of your vehicle, cause you to incur unnecessary expenses, and raise your insurance premiums.
Safe driving = more money!
In an ongoing effort to save money and provide your drivers with better safety knowledge, consider reviewing a defensive driving course with them, like the one promoted by the NSC (National Safety Council). The knowledge is invaluable and could save you and your drivers money in the long run.
Always remember, safe driving is no accident. Encourage your drivers to slow down and pay attention, be better prepared, and always be aware of their surroundings. Have a safe and profitable back-to-school season!
