Whether you are a parent or not, it is very important to learn how to drive safely especially in areas that children are with children such as schools, playgrounds etc.
Taking cautions while driving in an area dominated by children will help you to avoid accidents.
Driving safely around children dominated areas means you are keeping in mind their unpredictable nature, which translates to you slowing down and paying more attention to the road.
Whenever you are approaching schools, playground and residential neighbourhoods, you must pay special attention and keep your eyes open.
The following cautions will help you
1. Be vigilant when in children dominated area
Take caution and be driving near during times when children are most likely to be outside. left since is typically in the morning between 7 am and 8: 30 am and in the evening from 2 pm to 5 pm.
2. Be vigilant during vacations
You must be vigilant during school holidays, and weekends especially Sundays. If you are in a Muslim dominated area, or state, take caution on Fridays during Jumat prayers.
3. Be vigilant around residential buildings
It is important to keep your eyes open when driving around residential buildings, because children often play outside after school, in the moonlight and heat period.
4. Drive at a low-speed limit of 25 mph (40 kph) when you are in residential areas.
Slow down when turning the corners of your neighbourhood. Since children often like to play in front of their homes, they can be prone to darting into the street without noticing an upcoming vehicle.
Be extra careful if you notice children are playing games on the streets.
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5. Be careful of ice cream sellers
Be careful when you are approaching ice cream vehicles since children often run towards these without paying attention to traffic.
6. Pull over slowly.
Avoid It can be hard to see small children from your rearview mirror.
7. Look around your car before you enter.
Looking around your car before you get in can give you peace of mind that there are no children there.
8. Drive carefully along streets that are lined with parked cars.
It is very important to be careful along streets as children may be in between the vehicles, about to cross the street unexpectedly.
9. Be careful when driving on street with no sidewalks.
Children may find it difficult to keep to the edge of the road in such a situation. Give them a wide space and drive carefully as you pass them by, especially from behind.
10. Focus your eyes on the road when you drive around children.
Avoid changing CDs or radio stations while driving around children.
11. Don’t receive calls while driving around children
Making calls while driving around children is enough time for you to hit a child with your car. Focus on your primary task, drive safely whenever you know or think children are nearby.
12. Never in hurry to pass a school bus
Slow down when you see school buses pulling over as children will either be entering or exiting such buses at that time. In their haste, they may run in front of your car unexpectedly.
Always be cautious when driving near children even after their school buses have left since you do not know their next move.
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