School zones: a cause for concern

School zones remain busy throughout the year — with kids walking, cycling and being dropped off daily. BCAA’s latest School Zone Safety Survey shows that unsafe driving behaviours aren’t limited to the first week of September; they continue well into the school year, putting children and other road users at risk. According to the latest annual BCAA Back to School Driving Survey, 91% of British Columbians reported seeing drivers speeding in school zones, while 84% witnessed distracted driving. Even more concerning, 88% believe these dangerous behaviours are putting kids’ lives at risk. 

Over 80% of respondents said they’ve seen drivers failing to stop for students at crosswalks or pedestrian bump-outs. And 59% of parents and caregivers worry that these unsafe driving habits will continue or even worsen this year.

The risks of split focus

While most of us recognize that texting or talking on a phone is dangerous, distractions come in many forms. Eating or drinking, reaching for items, or turning to chat with passengers can all pull attention away from the road. Even thinking about work or running through your to-do list can be enough to delay reaction time and increase the risk of a crash. The reality is that our brains can only handle so much, and we could be inadvertently putting ourselves and others at risk on the road.

Five tips to keep our roads safe

No matter how long or short the drive, always staying focused on the road is important. Here are some tips to help you avoid distraction:

Tip #1 – Build in time to prevent rushing. Avoid rushing by starting your day a little earlier. A calmer commute means a safer drive. That extra time you’ve given yourself will prevent last-minute rushing, the root of many poor driving behaviours.

Tip #2– Plan ahead. Know your route, school procedures, and drop-off or pick-up zones. Follow posted speed limits and crosswalk rules at all times.

Tip #3 – Be a mindful driver. No matter what's going on around you, be patient and courteous. Reacting with extreme frustration may aggravate the situation and increase the risk of unsafe behaviours.

Tip #4 - Expect the unexpected. Watch for children, cyclists, or pedestrians who may appear suddenly — especially near parked cars or intersections.

Tip #5 - Eliminate distractions before you drive. Before starting your vehicle, silence your phone, finish your coffee, and adjust your mirrors, music, or GPS. Taking care of these things ahead of time helps you stay fully focused once you’re on the road.

Staying calm, allowing yourself more time and understanding that others have a heavy mental load too, can go a long way to keeping everyone on the road safe as we navigate this difficult year. You can find more safe driving tips here.