school

As an estimated 480,000 school buses return to U.S. roads in late summer and early fall, it’s time for professional drivers to brush up on their own lesson plan: How to drive with care during back-to-school season. Remember these 7 words that can help you avoid an accident and potentially save a life.

1. Stop

When you see a bus with flashing red lights and a stop arm extended, you must stop no matter which direction you are heading. It’s illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that’s loading and unloading children unless the bus is on the other side of a divided road. When you stop, leave plenty of room so children can get to and from a bus. The space 10 feet around a bus is considered the most dangerous for children because bus drivers cannot see children walking in that zone.

2. Slow

Always obey the flashing lights and posted speed limits within school zones. Most have posted speeds of 10, 15 or 20 mph during student drop-off and pickup times. Avoid changing lanes, passing or making U-turns in school zones. Also, always obey signals from crossing guards. In some states they carry the same authority as law enforcement officers.

3. Plan

Know the location of every school zone on your route and plan for extra travel time. Also, expect delays whenever you travel on residential roads between 6 – 9 a.m. or 2 – 5 p.m. They’re the most frequent times for bus traffic.

4. Scan

Look twice for pedestrians when approaching any crosswalk or intersection during peak school travel times. Also, remember that children may not use crosswalks. Scan the side of the road between parked cars and other places where children may appear unexpectedly and attempt to cross the street.

5. Watch

School-time driving safety isn’t just about buses. Teenagers are also driving to school in their own cars. Some are driving for the first time and may not follow all traffic laws. Back-to-school season also means an increase in bicyclists. Be on the lookout and share the road.

6. Know

Your truck’s horn sounds much louder to children outside the truck than it does to you in the cab. Don’t honk the horn at children walking across the street or on bicycles. The noise may startle them and cause them to fall or get hurt.

7. Focus

Put the cell phone down and keep your focus on the road. Avoid eating, changing radio stations or adjusting the navigation system in your truck.

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Going back to school can be a busy and exciting time for parents and students. It's also a good time for drivers to reacquaint themselves with more attentive habits while on the road, as familiar commutes will be more crowded than they were during the summer months.

So whether you're driving a Penske rental truck or your own vehicle, follow these tips from Penske's safety experts and AAA to help you and your family make the grade for a safe commute this school year.

Commuting by Car

  • Obey speed limits and stay alert, especially in school zones.
  • Avoid multitasking and never text while driving.
  • Children younger than 12 should be in the backseat and properly secured within a booster seat, car seat or with a seatbelt.
  • If you are carpooling, remind passengers to wear seatbelts.
  • Make complete stops at stop signs.
  • Always stop for school buses when they are flashing red or yellow lights.
  • Never park in school zones.
  • Do not block crosswalks.
  • Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections.

It's equally important for students to learn safe habits if they are walking or riding a bicycle to school.

Students on Bicycles

  • Children riding bikes to school should understand basic safety guidelines and wear helmets.
  • Bicyclists should always ride with traffic. They should also obey stop signs and red lights.
  • Students should be steady on their bikes with the ability to ride in a straight line.
  • Choose a route to school with limited traffic, if possible, or use bike paths.
  • Never use earbuds or electronics while on a bike.

Walking to School

  • Children younger than 10 should walk with an adult to and from school.
  • Teach children the importance of using crosswalks and staying alert to traffic.
  • Always look left, right and left again before crossing the street.
  • If possible, drop children off at a location where they won't have to cross a street alone.
  • Stay alert while walking a child to school or the bus stop, so avoid distractions like phones.

Driving Your Penske Rental

  • Do not park your moving truck at a bus stop or in a school zone.
  • Familiarize yourself with a truck's blind spots and stay alert to school traffic.
  • Check for children playing under or around the truck before moving it.
  • Stay alert for pedestrians, bicyclists and school buses.

Ready to move? Take advantage of all Penske Truck Rental has to offer with discounts for AAA members, college students and members of the military. Penske also offers free unlimited miles on one-way rentals, great deals on packing supplies and 24/7 roadside assistance. Visit the Penske Truck Rental website for more information.

By John Moralis

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