Back-to-school driving safety

Life is in full-swing busy mode with kids back in school. Combined with rain and less daylight, all of us need to be extra vigilant to drive safely.

It seems like everything is happening all at once when kids are back in school: the daily drop-offs and pick-ups, a ton of birthdays, fall sports, field trips, and then some. While our minds are spinning with to-dos and most of daily life feels lived in our cars, we all need to slow down and see kids.

REMINDERS TO KEEP OUR KIDS & OTHERS SAFE

Dial Down the Distractions | That means no calls—not even the hands-free variety—while you’re driving, and never look at your phone or other devices, even when your vehicle is stopped. Your eyes and ears are needed for children who may dart out in streets, bike lanes, and crosswalks.

Consider School Zones All the Time | Keep your head on swivel, especially in school zones or pedestrian/bike-heavy areas, even after hours when the speed limit may be more than 20 mph.

Use Your Headlights During the Day, Too | If your vehicle doesn’t have automatic running lights that turn on when the vehicle is running, use your headlights. Even on nice days, experts agree that using headlights during the day decreases the risk of collisions.

Upgrade Your Wipers | The rainy season brings the need to check that your wipers are in good working order. Spring for the best-quality windshield wipers to avoid “chatter” and to achieve the clearest view.

Check Your Blind Spots & Rear Views | If your vehicle lacks a backup camera, or its blind spots are worrisome, ask us about newer vehicles with built-in alert systems and large, high-quality backup cameras.

Defog Those Windows | Your air conditioner is the ticket to getting rid of fogged-up windows. If your window-clearing functions aren’t working properly, make it a high priority to schedule a diagnostic visit with our service team. We can also look at your vehicle’s seals to ensure they are keeping moisture out.

Follow Pickup Lane Etiquette | Don’t double-park or block any driveways, fire lanes, etc. Follow your

child’s school’s rules.

Teach Your Kids Bus Stop Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends playing it SAFE:

• Stay at least ten feet—five giant steps—away from the curb.

• Always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals for you to board.

• Face forward after finding a seat on the bus.

• Exit the bus after it stops and look left-right-left for cars before crossing a street.

Sources: AAA, NHTSA

STACIE FALLAU

Celebrating two years at Capitol, Stacie is now serving in the role of Assistant Office Manager. She says, “The variety and collaboration in this role have made it especially rewarding.” Outside of work, family life is just as fulfilling with two children, Hali’a, age 18, who also works at Capitol, and Logan, age 21. Together, they enjoy exploring new restaurants, attending concerts, playing games and taking scenic road trips.

Brought to you by:

Capitol Auto Group: capitolauto.com