Back to school is basically here, and that means your drive time schedule is about to get a lot busier. However, when you combine more time behind the wheel with a lot more traffic out on the roads, your potential for getting into a car accident goes up (pretty steeply, actually). Toyota of Orlando is here with quick tips to help you avoid a car accident when back to school kicks off next Tuesday - check out this list of possible road hazards to watch out for.
Watch out for road hazards this semester
#1: Pedestrians
There are quite a few more pedestrians out and about once back to school arrives. Not only are kids walking to school and the bus stops, they're also crossing the street to get to campus once they've been dropped off by the bus or their parents. You should always keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel and pay close attention so you can bring your Orlando Toyota to a quick stop if need be and avoid an accident. Also, be sure to look twice before pulling through stop signs and stop lights, and be sure to go the speed limit.
#2: Bicyclists
There are also more bicyclists out on the road during back to school as students bike their way to homeroom. Be sure to yield to them and give them plenty of space as you pass them if they're riding on the road. Additionally, look twice before making right turns or changing lanes to ensure a bicyclist isn't in your path.
#3: School buses
Remember, there are special rules for driving around school buses. If the lights start to flash and the stop signs come out, you HAVE to bring your Orlando Toyota to a stop as well even if you're on the other side of the road. The only instance in which you don't have to stop is if you're on a divided highway with a median. Also, don't pass a stopped bus - students are likely loading and unloading. Remember to give the school bus plenty of distance, too.
#4: School zones
When driving in school zones, you'll need to slow it down. The speed limit is usually much lower in these zones because there's so much more foot traffic. Also, be prepared to come to a stop to let students cross the road with the crossing guards, and be extra vigilant about school buses as they'll be in the school zones for dropoff and pickup.
#5: More traffic in general
There's a lot more traffic in general when back to school rolls around, so be prepared. Leave yourself extra time to get where you're going so you're not tempted to speed or drive recklessly. Also, know your route and check it before you leave the house to ensure it's not backed up and you don't need to take an alternate.
Get back to school safely with Toyota of Orlando
Have questions about back to school road hazards? Call Toyota of Orlando today. Our Orlando Toyota dealership is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we have tons of safe back to school options for you to drive home!
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