At Premier Coach Collision Repair with two locations in Thousand Oaks and Camarillo, CA we realize that all of the lazy days of summer are over, and it is back to school time once more. That means waking up your kids rather early, packing up backpacks and lunches and rushing to get to school, things we could not do last year during the pandemic.
Fall can be a fairly dangerous a time of the year for pedestrians with too many vehicles out on the road, and driving and picking up at the simultaneously. Everyone seems to be in a big hurry and tensions during this time of year can be high potentially leading to more collisions, usually fender benders. The National Center for Safe Routes to School (NCSRS) reports annually that more and more school children are hit near schools than at any other location.
Five safety tips:
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- Consider Carpooling: Do you know another family that’s often heading in your same direction? If so, approach them about ride sharing. This will always significantly reduce the number of vehicles out on the road, equaling fewer potential accidents. When you’re in charge of the carpool, masker certain that your passengers buckle up. Seat belts save thousands of lives annually, not to mention that it’s the law.
- Obey the Rules: Always abide to the speed limit, especially in school zones, which are usually between 15 and 30 mph. Always yield to merging buses and be sure to follow from a safe distance behind as they will often stop unexpectedly. Please avoid double parking, which blocks visibility and never load or unload children from across a street. A lot of accidents and injuries often take place when irresponsible parents decide to double park.
- Talk to Your Children: Take enough time to go over drop off and pick up procedures with your youngsters. Often remind them to stay inside crosswalks, observe their surroundings and always walk in front of buses and vehicles. According to the Safe Routes to Schools, a non-profit safety organization, 34 percent of all youth pedestrian injuries in this country are caused by kids darting out into the road.
- Take Extra Precautions: Always be cognizant of your surroundings because a vehicle could stop suddenly or slow down to drop, you’re your children. Whether or not you have the right-of-way, always be highly cautious so you won’t accidentally hit a pedestrian. If you need extra time during drop-off, make sure to turn on your hazard lights.
- Be Courteous: Slow down considerably and pay more attention when entering a school zone when school children are present. Always turn off your cell phone and focus your full attention on the road–a call or text can always wait. Whenever you’re at a red light or ready to turn, don’t block the crosswalk and always refrain from passing other vehicles as they stop for pedestrians. If you can always be patient and tolerant of drivers, you will avoid potential problems down the road.
A little defensive driving can surely go a long way to ensure that everyone is safe, so follow these simple directives, and have a safe back to school season.
About Premier Coach Auto Collision Group
With two locations in Thousand Oaks, CA, and Camarillo, CA, Premier Coach is a prestigious collision repair company with an impressive 34-year history of excellence.
To give back to the communities in which they do business, Premier is continually involved with local schools by sponsoring their events and providing pallets of water to sell or give away at their sporting events. They also donate bottled water to blood drives at local schools as well. They are also involved with an amazing foundation, the Give Mentor Love Foundation, that supports youths and young adults in crisis, at-risk, homeless or in foster care and victims of human trafficking.
“At Premier Coach, we are a family that puts the needs of our guests as our top priority. Our business has continued to grow and excel and that’s due to the amazing team members we have here. I couldn’t do it without them!” ~ Cliff Sullivan/Owner
We are committed to your health and safety, so ask us about our Touchless approach to customer service during and before we repair your vehicle.
Sources: NHTSA and AAA