DRIVING TIPS FROM BRISTOL ADVANCED MOTORISTS
THE AUTUMN SCHOOL RUN
As Summer disappears we can soon expect to see the return of the dreaded ‘school run’ when many children will be killed and injured on residential roads close to their homes. Over 70 per cent of drivers break the speed limit on these roads - and many of those drivers are parents with their children in the car.
Only a few years ago children walked to school. Now the school run brings with it a 20 per cent growth in rush hour traffic and, as a result, a greater risk to pedestrians. But the IAM and other experts including the AA say that realistically, until cultural attitudes revert and key barriers are removed, the school run is here to stay.
But that is not the end of the matter; there are things that all drivers can do to make the ‘school run’ safer.
If you can - walk and avoid taking the car. Walking, cycling and public transport are all better options, not only for children, but also the environment but children cycling to school should be proficient and wear a helmet and bright, all-weather clothing.
Car Share if at all possible. If you have to drive, offer to car share and take it in turns with other parents rather than add to congestion around schools. When you have organised an informal car share arrangement, try to set an example by attending an advanced driving course such as that offered by the IAM.
Allow plenty of time for your journey. Crashes cause delays and are normally the result of drivers leaving home late, being in the wrong road position, going too fast and driving too close to the car in front. Organise yourself and leave five minutes earlier to reduce the stress which contributes to driving errors.
Drive well within the speed limit. Maintain a sensible safety gap – and remember the "two second rule". At 35mph you are twice as likely to kill someone as you are at 30mph yet, behind the wheel, this extra 5mph feels hardly different. The school approach presents many hazards - including children not concentrating fully as they cross the road – so drive with caution and reduce your speed to around 20mph.
Park considerately and safely. Never double park or block driveways and never simply rely on the footbrake to keep the vehicle still as children climb out of the car – ALWAYS APPLY THE HANDBRAKE first and PUT THE GEARBOX IN NEUTRAL. Consider parking well away from the school gate and completing your journey on foot. This reduces congestion at the school gate itself.
Never stop directly on the yellow "zigzag" lines outside the school – it’s against the law and they are there to create an open space and give drivers vision and the time to react. And always ensure you let the children out on the pavement or near side.
Finally don’t drive on the pavement in an attempt to allow oncoming vehicles to pass. Wait until the way ahead is clear rather than risking injury to children.
For more information on becoming an Advanced Driver, telephone 07071 201173 or email
