Back-to-School Safety Tips

Ireland’s brief summer is coming to a close and the school year is approaching fast. It’s important to ensure that your car is ready for the increased traffic and the safety of young passengers so here in DoneDeal we would like to offer you some essential tips to help you prepare.

Perform Basic Vehicle Checks

Tyres: Check for proper inflation and tread depth to maintain traction, especially in wet conditions.

Brakes: Ensure they are in good condition as they are critical for stopping quickly, particularly in school zones.

Lights: Verify that all lights, including brake lights and indicators, are functioning properly for visibility.

Wipers: Replace worn wiper blades to ensure clear visibility during inevitable rainy months ahead.

Safe Driving in School Zones

Speed Limits: Adhere strictly to reduced speed limits in school zones. Children are often unpredictable, and lower speeds give you more time to react.

Pedestrian Awareness: Be extra vigilant for children crossing roads, especially during morning and afternoon times when kids are heading to and from school.

No Unauthorised Parking: Avoid illegal or double parking, as it obstructs visibility and can create dangerous situations for children crossing the road.

School Bus Safety

Stopping for Buses: When a school bus stops and its lights are flashing, it is good practice to stop your vehicle and give it the time needed for little ones to embark or disembark.

Following Distance: Maintain a safe distance behind school buses to allow room for unexpected stops as they pick up or drop off children.

Teach Children Road Safety

Crossing Roads: A basic bit of knowledge but vital! Teach children to look both ways before crossing and to use crosswalks where available.

Exiting the Vehicle: Make sure children know to wait until the vehicle has come to a complete stop before unbuckling their seat belts and exiting safely with the door not opening into on coming traffic.

Carpooling Best Practices

Seat Belts and Car Seats: Ensure every child is properly secured with seat belts or car seats as required by their age and size.

Safe Pick-Up and Drop-Off: Establish a safe, well-lit area for children to enter and exit the vehicle, preferably on the kerb side to avoid stepping onto busy roads.

Minimise Distractions: Encourage a quiet, distraction-free environment in the car to allow the driver to focus entirely on the road.

Teen Driver Safety Advice

Driving Education: Reinforce the importance of safe driving habits, such as obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions (like texting), and the importance of wearing a seatbelt at all times. Encourage extra tuition even if they have passed their test. Education is key on Irish roads.

Curfew: Set a driving curfew to avoid nighttime driving, which is more dangerous for inexperienced drivers.

Limit Passengers: Restrict the number of passengers to minimise distractions and reduce the risk of accidents where possible.

Plan Your Route

Avoid Congestion: If possible, plan your route to avoid heavily congested areas near schools during peak times.

Use Navigation Tools: The use of navigation apps to stay informed about traffic conditions and find alternative routes is a very helpful tool but be sure to pair the phone to the vehicle, or have the phone mounted in a safe position.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

First-Aid Kit: It is good practice to keep a well-stocked first-aid kit in your car.

Emergency Contacts: Ensure that you have updated emergency contact information readily available in your vehicle.

Roadside Assistance: Have a roadside assistance plan in place in case of breakdowns, especially during school runs. Many insurance companies offer this service so it is worth checking.

By following these simple DoneDeal Back-To-School safety tips, you can help ensure a safer academic season for everyone on the road. Safe driving habits, regular vehicle maintenance, and vigilance in school zones are key to protecting our children as they return to their daily routines.