Back to School: Essential Driving Tips for Marten Transport Drivers

As the back-to-school season kicks off, the roads get busier with school buses, parents dropping off kids, and young pedestrians. At Marten Transport, we care about the safety of our drivers and the communities we serve. We know that navigating school zones and child-friendly areas requires extra caution and awareness. That's why we've put together these essential back-to-school driving tips to help you stay safe and keep the roads safe for everyone.

Navigating School Zones

School zones require specific caution from drivers. In addition to new traffic patterns and signage, there are sure to be young kids in the area and, occasionally, on the road at crosswalks. It is critical to be especially careful in school zones. Here are some practices you should incorporate into your routine when driving through or around school zones.

Slow Down: School zones have reduced speed limits for a reason. Slow down and follow the posted limits to ensure the safety of children and other pedestrians. Remember, fines for speeding in school zones can be hefty, so it's always best to stay on the side of caution.

Stay Alert: Children can be unpredictable. Stay vigilant and keep an eye out for kids walking, biking, or suddenly darting into the road. Pay attention to crossing guards and follow their signals. If you’re unsure of what to do, stop and proceed slowly with caution.

No Distractions: Eliminate distractions when driving through school zones. As always, avoid using your phone, eating, or anything else that takes your focus off the road. A moment of distraction can lead to serious consequences.

Watch for School Buses: Be prepared to stop for school buses. When a bus has its stop sign extended and lights flashing, you must stop in both directions unless there's a physical barrier separating the roads. Never pass a stopped school bus as kids could be crossing the road, and the safety of children getting on and off is the most important thing.

Obey Traffic Signs: Follow traffic signs closely near schools and playgrounds. These signs indicate areas where children are likely to be present, and following them is crucial for their safety.

Yield to Pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, especially in school zones and near parks. Remember, children might not always be aware or paying attention to the traffic rules, so it's up to drivers to be extra cautious.

Be Patient: Children are still learning the rules of the road. They might move slower or take unexpected actions. Patience and understanding are key to ensuring their safety.

Avoid U-Turns: Making a U-turn is dangerous. Instead, plan your route ahead of time to avoid the need for sudden or risky maneuvers. If you do need to turn around, find a safe place to do so.

Use Extra Caution During Peak Times: School drop-off and pick-up times are particularly busy. Plan your routes to avoid these peak times if possible, and if you must drive through these areas, exercise extra caution and patience.

At Marten Transport, we believe that safety is a shared responsibility. By following these back-to-school driving tips, you help protect our youngest road users and contribute to a safer community.

Just like ensuring kids' safety on their way to school, we’re dedicated to supporting our drivers on their journey to a fulfilling career. So, let's gear up for a safe and successful back-to-school season because at Marten, we care about your career and your commitment to safety!