Back to School Season Driving Safety

Back to School = Back Behind the Wheel for Many Teens

As classes start up again, many students are driving themselves to school – some for the very first time. If you’re a teen driver (or a parent of one), remember:

  • Leave early to avoid rushing
    • Minimize distractions – phones down, eyes up
    • Follow all school zone rules and speed limits
    • Always check for pedestrians before turning or pulling out

          Driving to school is a big responsibility — let’s all do our part to keep mornings safe.

          Accident Ready: 6 Steps for When the Unexpected Happens

          Do You Know What to Do After an Accident?

          Being prepared can make all the difference. Follow these 6 steps to handle any situation safely and confidently:

          • If Your Car Can’t Move: Stay inside with your seatbelt on unless it’s safe to exit to a safer area. Turn on your hazard lights and call 911 for assistance.
            • If It’s Safe, Pull Over: Find a safe spot, turn on your hazard lights, and take a deep breath.
            • Call 911: Report the accident, even if it’s minor. Emergency services can help ensure everyone is safe.
            • Exchange Information: Share your driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance details, and current address with the other driver.
            • Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and any damage. Note weather and road conditions.
            • Notify Your Insurance Company: File a report promptly to start the claims process.
            • Stay Alert and Drive Safely: Reflect on what happened and get back on the road with extra awareness.

            Save this guide—you never know when you might need it!

            Is Your Child Safe in Their Car Seat? 👶

            Child safety is always a top priority for parents and guardians. Ensuring your child’s car seat is the right fit and properly installed can make a huge difference in their safety during every trip. This short video on car seat safety has helpful tips to ensure your child is secure:

            Still need help? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers free inspections and guides to ensure proper installation.

            Let’s keep them safe on the road. 🚗👶

            Cruising for Conservation

            Easy Eco-Friendly Habits for a Greener Planet

            Hey, you know how important it is to drive in a way that’s kinder to the environment, right? It’s not just about reducing our carbon footprint but also about doing our part for a healthier planet. So, here are some easy habits that can really make a difference.

            First off, keeping a steady speed is a big one. None of that stop-and-go stuff that guzzles up fuel and spits out emissions. Try to cruise along smoothly, maybe even use cruise control on the highway. And hey, when you see traffic up ahead, ease off the gas a bit instead of slamming on the brakes last second. It’s all about anticipating traffic flow to minimize unnecessary speed changes.

            Then there’s idling. We all do it sometimes, but it’s like burning fuel for no good reason. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, just switch off the engine. And those drive-thru lines? Maybe park and walk in instead. It’s a small change but adds up.

            Carpooling and ridesharing are awesome too. Fewer cars on the road means less pollution and fewer traffic jams. Plus, it saves us some cash.

            And if you’re in the market for a new ride, consider something fuel-efficient or even a hybrid. They’re pretty sweet these days.

            Oh, and don’t forget about regular tune-ups and keeping those tires in good shape. It’s not just about performance; it’s about using fuel more efficiently and cutting down on emissions.

            So yeah, every little bit helps, right? And it’s not just about what we do ourselves but spreading the word too. Let’s get more people on board with these eco-friendly driving habits and pave the way for a greener future.

            100 Deadliest Days

            For many people, summer unofficially starts Memorial Day and ends on Labor Day. While the start of summer is an exciting time for most, not many people know that the time period from Memorial Day to Labor Day is considered the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, especially for teen drivers. From the year 2010 to 2019, over 7,000 Americans died in teen related driving accidents between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The NSC (National Safety Council) has noted an association between the monthly number of vehicle miles traveled and motor-vehicle fatalities. The NSC states that mileage and motor vehicle death rates increase during the summer months, particularly the months of July and August. So, don’t let your guard down while we are enjoying lighter traffic due to schools being out for summer vacation. Always be alert and aware of other drivers around you… summer vacation doesn’t mean you should take a vacation from good defensive driving habits.