Back to School Safety Tips from Pine Belt Subaru

As the back-to-school season approaches, it’s essential to prepare more than just the backpacks and school supplies. At Pine Belt Subaru, we care about the safety of our community, and that includes making sure students, parents, and drivers are ready for a smooth and safe transition into the school year. Here are some key back-to-school safety tips for everyone on the road this season.

1. Stay Alert in School Zones

School zones are busy areas filled with young pedestrians, crossing guards, and increased traffic. When driving through these zones:

• Slow down: Pay attention to posted speed limits and reduce your speed when entering a school zone.
• Look out for children: Be mindful of children walking or biking to school, especially in crosswalks and at intersections.
• Avoid distractions: Keep your phone down and stay focused, especially in areas with high foot traffic.

2. Respect the School Bus

When school buses are on the road, it’s important to follow the rules to keep children safe:

• Stop for flashing red lights: When a school bus has its stop sign extended and red lights flashing, traffic from both directions must stop until the lights turn off and the bus starts moving.
• Give buses extra space: School buses make frequent stops and starts, so maintain a safe distance behind them and be patient.
• Watch for children exiting the bus: Kids may cross the road in front of or behind the bus, so stay alert when a bus is stopped.

3. Drive Defensively Near Schools

Increased traffic around schools means there’s potential for unexpected stops or distractions. To stay safe:

• Leave early: Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, especially during school drop-off and pick-up times.
• Be mindful of new or inexperienced drivers: Some high school students may be driving themselves to school for the first time. Drive cautiously, giving them the space they need to navigate safely.
• Follow the school’s drop-off/pick-up rules: Schools often have specific areas for dropping off and picking up students. Follow the designated traffic flow to avoid accidents.

4. Pedestrian Safety for Students

Whether your child is walking to school or waiting at the bus stop, share these safety tips with them:

• Use crosswalks: Always cross streets at marked crosswalks and obey crossing guards.
• Look both ways: Before crossing the street, look left, right, and left again to make sure it’s clear.
• Avoid distractions: Phones and headphones can take attention away from the road. Remind kids to stay alert and aware of their surroundings.

5. Bicycle Safety

For students biking to school, wearing the right gear and following traffic rules is crucial:

• Wear a helmet: Make sure your child always wears a properly fitted helmet.
• Use bike lanes: Where available, students should ride in bike lanes and follow the flow of traffic.
• Be visible: Bright clothing and reflective gear can make cyclists more visible to drivers, especially in the early morning or evening hours.

6. Vehicle Maintenance for Safe Driving

Parents and guardians, don’t forget that your vehicle’s condition plays a big role in safety. A well-maintained vehicle ensures that you’re in control on the road:

• Check brakes and tires: Worn brakes and tires can impact stopping distance, especially in busy school zones.
• Ensure all lights are working: From turn signals to brake lights, make sure all vehicle lights are in proper working order.
• Schedule regular maintenance: Visit Pine Belt Subaru for routine inspections and maintenance. We can help keep your car in top shape for the new school year.

Stay Safe This School Year!

As we all get back into the routine of school days and busy schedules, let’s make sure we’re prioritizing safety—whether behind the wheel or walking on the sidewalk. At Pine Belt Subaru, we’re proud to be a part of this community and are always here to help you and your family stay safe on the road. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and safe school year ahead!  If you have any questions about vehicle safety or need to schedule maintenance, feel free to contact Pine Belt Subaru or visit our service center in Lakewood, NJ. We’re here to help!