The morning hussle and bussle will increase come Monday morning as students resume classes for the 2011/2012 school year in Bay and Washington counties. Teachers have been preparing their classrooms this week for a year full of excitement and learning. Many students may still be in the summer-time mode and may not be paying attention as they wait on the corners for their bus to arrive, ride their bycycles, drive their cars or walk to their school. Make sure you allow a little extra time for your commute. Stay alert of the added traffic on our roadways.
Texting while driving is never a good thing as your attention is taken away from the road reducing your reaction time by 18%. This is enough time to pass a red light or stop sign. It could also affect your response in the event a student steps into your path on the road.
Pay attention to the reduced speed limits in the school zones. These tickets come with a hefty fine as well as moving violation points on your drivers license usually followed by increased insurance premiums.
Keeping our students safe only takes a few extra minutes of your time. Avoid tailgating, speeding and distractions that take your eyes off the road. Be prepared to stop at all times. Practice being a courteous driver and signal when you are changing lanes. Avoid road-rage and allow those not-so-courteous drivers to merge into the lane even though they should've merged a half-mile back.
Be safe and have a good school year.
