Back to School: Safety First!

BOLO For Bikers, Buses & Children

It's that magical time of year when the kids head back to school and parents join together for a collective sigh of relief. But as summer comes to a close, it's all the more important to be vigilant while driving. With the new school year comes an abundance of school buses and an onslaught of new teen drivers, university students in a new town, and most likely a longer rush hour.

So, what can you do to decrease the chances of a motorcycle accident or other type of car accident? It’s as easy as BOLO: Be On The Lookout.

School Bus & City Bus Accidents

We’ve all been stuck behind a school bus or city bus, but before you step on the gas to pass, it’s important to know the laws regarding buses.

• City Buses: You must let a city bus back into traffic after a stop, even when the bus is pulled into a bus lane.
• School Buses: It’s illegal to pass a school bus while it is stopped, unless it is on a divided highway and you are going in the opposite direction. Otherwise, you have to stop and wait.
• When legally passing a school bus, be aware of your surroundings and watch for items that could be thrown from the windows.
• Immediately after a bus stop, wait and watch for pedestrians who may try to cross the street behind the bus. While this is dangerous, some people may try to do it.

A new school year can also mean changes to bus routes and schedules. Check your local school district or city resource for bus times so you can plan accordingly.

If you have children riding the bus, talk to them about safe behaviour — don’t throw anything from the windows; always cross the road in front of the bus so the driver can see you; never run alongside a bus. Good traffic safety starts at home!

Motorcycle & Scooter Accidents

University students rely on motorcycles and scooter to get around campus and downtown with ease. Unfortunately, motorcycles and scooters can be difficult to see if you aren’t paying attention. Slow down and take a few extra seconds at each stop or intersection to specifically look for motorcycles and scooters. A few seconds can save a life!

Avoiding Accidents in Orlando, FL

It’s easy to get distracted when driving early in the morning or in the afternoon as you think about work, errands, responsibilities of the day, etc. But it’s so important to stay alert when the alternative is a run-in with a bicycle, motorcycle, scooter or bus — or even worse, a pedestrian. Remember, children can be unpredictable, so don’t assume they won’t walk in front of you or pull-out in front of you to get to class on time. As our nation’s children head back to school, allow yourself a few minutes to drive safely and Be On The Lookout for others.

If you have been involved in an accident, contact the Florida accident attorneys of The Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A.