Study Up on Back-to-School Driving Safety

On average, three children were killed and almost 500 were injured every day in traffic crashes in 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The organization also reported that 21 percent of children aged 14 and younger killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians.

Go to the head of the class by making road safety a top priority. 

Car Safety

• Be on high alert when entering a school zone, even on weekends and evenings. Slow down -- whether you see children or not -- and always obey speed limits, traffic signs and crossing guards.
• Avoid multitasking and distracted driving; never text and drive.
• Put children under the age of 13 in the backseat.
• Make sure infant and child car seats are properly installed. Car seats reduce the risk of death by 28 percent in the event of a crash.
• Double check for children in blind spots and when driving in reverse.
• Be on alert for children getting on and off school buses and crossing the street outside of marked crosswalks.
• When carpooling, remind passengers to wear seatbelts.

Bike Safety

• Make sure your child has the skills to ride a bike safely, such as riding in a straight line and signaling to vehicles when turning.
• Choose the safest bike route to school – one with less traffic and slower speeds.
• Make sure your cyclists understand traffic safety rules, such as riding in the same direction as traffic and stopping at all stop signs and signals.
• Explain the importance of wearing a bike helmet to your child
• Remain focused and alert when riding. Never use earbuds or electronics while riding. 

Pedestrian Safety

• Pedestrians age 10 and younger should generally be accompanied by an adult when walking to and from school. Teach children the importance of using crosswalks and how to look left-right-left before crossing.
• Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is not a sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Try to drop off children where they won’t have to cross the street to reach their destinations. Avoid the dangers of jaywalking and encourage kids to always cross in clear view of traffic, and never from between parked cars.
• Just as you wouldn’t text and drive -- don’t text and walk. Stay alert to your surroundings. 
   

Get smart about your coverage. For information about auto insurance, call your AAA insurance agent at 855-282-2275, or visit your local branch.