Safety 101: 5 Great Tips for Back to School Drivers

Back to school means busier streets in the Madison, Wisconsin, area. And while the morning commute can be daunting for anybody, it’s a steep learning curve for first-time drivers.  

At Zimbrick Automotive Group, we don’t just offer a variety of affordable new and used vehicles for first-time drivers — we care about the well-being of the drivers themselves. The start of the academic year is an important time for both parents and students in our community, so we want to make sure that everyone gets to and from school as safely as possible.

Here are five tips to study before the first bell rings.

Do Your Homework: Useful Advice for Safer School Driving

Share the road with school buses

It’s the law. When a school bus is idle with its stop sign raised and red brake lights flashing, it’s a good indicator that students are getting on or off. Cars must stop from every direction until all kids have safely crossed the street. If you don’t, you’ll be subject to much heavier consequences than detention.

Carpool when possible

It might be an old school practice, but carpooling certainly has its benefits. While saving gas often comes to mind first, sharing a ride has perhaps an even greater effect on safety. By reducing the number of vehicles at a school, carpooling cuts down on congestion and the potential for accidents. That earns an A in our book.

Be respectful of school zones

Whether it’s from trying to make homeroom or an after school practice, more kids cross the street during the academic year. That’s why the speed limit for school zones in Madison is 20 mph, regardless of the day of the week or time of day. Aside from obeying the speed limit, remaining aware of your surroundings is essential to the safety of classmates.

Be mindful of drop off zones

For first-time drivers, the freedom of driving to school is exciting. But that doesn’t mean others aren’t being dropped off. Making legal U-turns and watching out for those crossing the street earn high marks. But double parking and pulling over into spaces reserved for buses or emergency vehicles are maneuvers that flunk.

Always wear a seat belt

The numbers don’t lie: seat belts save thousands of lives each year. That’s why it’s vital to make sure that all drivers and passengers buckle up before leaving for school. And because wearing a seat belt is required, wearing yours will help you stay focused on breaking open the books — not the law.

Score Big with a Great First Car from Zimbrick Automotive Group

Looking for a car for your first-time driver? At any of our locations, you’ll find a wide range of vehicles that are as ready for the back to school season as your bookworm. Contact us to learn more today.

Tags: How-To
Posted in Helpful Tips | No Comments »