Back-to-School Driving Safety: 7 Tips for a Safer School Year

September means backpacks, packed schedules, school buses, after-school activities, and a lot more traffic on the road. As families throughout Ocean County settle back into their school-year routines, it’s a good time for drivers to refresh some basic safety habits and make sure their vehicles are ready for the busy months ahead.

At Pine Belt Chevrolet in Lakewood, we want to help make every school-day drive a safer one. Here are seven things to keep in mind as the new school year gets underway.

1. Slow Down in School Zones

School zones can become busy very quickly, especially during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal. Watch carefully for reduced speed limits and be prepared for children crossing the street, cars entering and leaving parking lots, and crossing guards directing traffic.

Give yourself a few extra minutes in the morning so you’re not tempted to rush through these areas.

2. Be Extra Alert Around School Buses

With school back in session, buses are once again making frequent stops throughout our neighborhoods. Leave plenty of following distance and be prepared for sudden stops.

Most importantly, know and follow New Jersey’s laws regarding stopped school buses. Never attempt to save a few seconds by making an unsafe decision around a school bus.

3. Put the Phone Away

A busy morning can bring plenty of distractions before you even leave the driveway. Text messages, emails, navigation, music, and notifications can all compete for your attention.

Set your destination and music before you begin driving, and keep your focus where it belongs: on the road.

4. Watch for Children, Pedestrians, and Bicyclists

Children aren’t always predictable around traffic. A child may step into a crosswalk unexpectedly, ride a bicycle out of a driveway, or cross between parked vehicles.

Reduce your speed in residential neighborhoods and around schools, parks, playgrounds, and bus stops. A few extra seconds of awareness can make an enormous difference.

5. Check Your Tires

Summer road trips and hot pavement can take a toll on your tires. September is a great time to check tire pressure, tread depth, and overall tire condition.

Properly maintained tires are important for steering, braking, and traction, particularly as we move toward cooler temperatures and wetter fall weather.

6. Make Sure Your Brakes, Lights, and Wipers Are Ready

School-year driving often means early mornings, evening activities, and changing weather conditions. Make sure your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and windshield wipers are working properly.

If you’ve noticed squeaking, grinding, vibration, or a change in the way your vehicle feels when braking, don’t ignore it. Have your brakes inspected by a qualified technician.

7. Prepare for the Unexpected

Keep a few basic items in your vehicle, including a phone charger, flashlight, first-aid kit, and emergency supplies. It’s also a good idea to make sure your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance is up to date.

Start the School Year with Confidence

Back-to-school season can be hectic enough without adding vehicle trouble to the morning routine. A little preparation can help make the daily commute, school drop-off, and drive to after-school activities safer and less stressful.

If your Chevrolet is due for maintenance or there’s something you’d like checked before the fall driving season, schedule a service appointment with the team at Pine Belt Chevrolet in Lakewood. Our service team is here to help keep your vehicle ready for everything the school year brings.