GEICO Reminds: School’s Back in Session. Drive Smart. Drive Safe.

Business Wire

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- If you’re taking your first solo trip to school as a newly-licensed driver or you’ve been driving the school carpool for years, GEICO has tips for teens and parents now that school’s back in session.

School Safety Reminders

Obey school zone signals: The lights in a school zone road sign flash for a very important reason: to remind drivers to slow down. School zones are high traffic areas: pedestrians are coming from all directions and buses and car pools are heading for drop-off lanes. It’s imperative that drivers slow down to the posted speed limit and keep an eye out for students, crossing guards and pedestrians.

Give buses extra room: Since school buses make frequent stops, drivers should not follow closely. They should maintain a safe following distance so they have enough time to anticipate a slowdown. Note to drivers: stop behind the line at intersections so buses have enough room to maneuver around turns.

Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks: It’s the law for drivers, and it’s designed specifically to keep pedestrians safe.

Pedestrians: Put your phone away so you’re more aware of the traffic, the sounds, the surroundings.

Reminders for parents

Stay updated on GDL Laws: New drivers have restrictions because of Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) laws. Parents of new teen drivers should make sure they’re aware of rules such as the number of passengers allowed in a car and night curfews. Parents can learn more about GDL laws from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Set an example of safety: Younger children, and even teens often model their behaviors after their parents.
When kids are with you:
- always drive defensively,
- insist that all passengers buckle up before you start moving, and
- avoid distractions at all costs.

For more safe driving tips, visit GEICO's Safe Driving Resources page.

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company), the second-largest auto insurer in the U.S., was founded in 1936 and insures more than 28 million vehicles. For more than 80 years, the company has worked to make people’s lives better by protecting policyholders against unexpected events. As GEICO has grown, it has delivered money-saving coverage and outstanding customer service to policyholders through its investment in human resources and technology. GEICO is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies.