Five road hazards to watch out for during back to school

Are you ready for back to school? It’s time to pack up the backpacks, plot your route to school, start setting the alarm earlier and prepare yourself for the busy school year to start. As you hit the road to get back to school this fall, however, remember that with the change in routine comes a whole new set of road hazards for you to look out for. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips to help you avoid these road hazards and get back to school safely (and as stress-free as possible!).

Look out for these road hazards this fall

Road hazard #1: Heavier traffic. 

Back to school means more traffic out and about on the roads as parents get their kids to campus. You’ll need to be aware of this and give yourself extra time to get where you’re going. The last thing you want to do is to drive recklessly to make it to homeroom on time, so be sure to plot out your route to and from school, give yourself an extra 10-15 minutes, and always check your route before you leave home to see if there are any serious delays. Things should slow down a little after a few weeks, but there will be more cars on the road in Orlando during the school year, period.

Road hazard #2: School buses. 

Back to school also means school buses are back on the roads. Remember, you have to be extra vigilant when driving around school buses because new rules apply. When you see their lights flashing and the stop signs swing out, you also have to stop, even if you’re on the opposite side of the road. The only time you don’t have to stop is if you’re on the opposite side of the road and there’s a divided median. Also, never pass a stopped bus as students are loading and unloading, and be sure to leave plenty of space in between the school bus and your Orlando Toyota.

Road hazard #3: Bicycles. 

Lots of kids bike to school (and some parents, too) so be sure to be on the lookout for bicyclists. You should always yield to them, give them plenty of space when passing them, and double-check your surroundings before making a right turn to ensure your path is clear. Remember, some kids aren’t totally steady on bikes so it’s a good idea to give them plenty of breathing room.

Road hazard #4: School zones. 

School zones will once again be active next week in Orlando! These special zones always have a lower speed limit that you have to stick to, and you’ll also need to be ready to come to a stop in case a crossing guard has to get students across the street. You’ll need to be extra attentive in school zones and watch out for bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and pedestrians.

Road hazard #5:  Pedestrians. 

Whether you’re in or out of a school zone, there’s always more foot traffic during back to school. Lots of kids walk to school or to their bus stop, so be sure to pay close attention to what you’re doing when you’re behind the wheel. No distracted driving and always look both ways before pulling through stop signs and stoplights.

Shop for “school supplies” (i.e. a new Toyota) at Toyota of Orlando!

Need a safe new Orlando Toyota to get you back to school for 2021? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we’re located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Posted in Toyota of Orlando's Tips | No Comments »