Back to School - Drivers Take Care

Many schools will start their new academic year again after this week and the lighter traffic that motorists have enjoyed over the summer will change dramatically. In fact, according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM),the school run brings with it approximately 20 per cent more rush hour traffic.


The Good Garage Scheme would like to remind all drivers to plan for extra journey times from Monday and take extra care when driving near schools.

Children can be easily excited and distracted when crossing roads and it is advisable to show extra attention, especially during drop-off and pick-up times of the day.

In some places, there may be a flashing amber signal below the “School” warning sign which tells you that there may be children crossing the road ahead. Drive very slowly until you are clear of the area.
According to the Highway Code, you MUST stop when a school crossing patrol shows a “Stop for children" sign.
When passing a stationary bus showing a ‘School Bus’ sign, please drive carefully as children may be getting on or off.

Is your car ready for school?
Why not have your car checked before the school year begins to ensure it is in tip-top shape and less likely to break down and make the family late for school and work?
Visit GoodGarageScheme.com and find a local garage you can trust.

Good Garage Scheme Advises on Back to School Driving

Over the past few weeks, driving into work has been a delight. You will hopefully have experienced clearer roads, shorter journey times and a less stressful journey. In London, the combination of the Olympics and school holidays has meant the roads have been considerably quieter. However, September is here and it’s important to take extra care as the school run starts again.
 
The school run brings with it approximately 20 per cent more rush hour traffic. A little preparation beforehand can go a long way to making your journey much easier. Give yourself a bit more time for your journey – and yes, that just might mean ten minutes less spent in bed.
 
Take your time. Don’t compromise your concentration and the safety of other road users by being in a hurry. Leaving the house five minutes earlier changes the nature of how you make the journey. The extra time allows for any delays.
 
Whether you’re ferrying the kids or driving to work, your commute to work is likely to involve passing schools and residential areas. Take extra care on the roads to compensate for the fact that children won’t always be paying attention, especially when approaching the school gate.
 
If you’re dropping your children off to school, don’t stop on the yellow zigzags by the school gate. Try to stop in a safe place ensuring you let your passengers out on the pavement side. This makes it easier for vehicles to get past and avoids causing congestion in front of the school.
 
If your child has a friend nearby who attends the same school, consider sharing the driving. Arrange an informal deal with other parents to reduce the driving pressure.

 
Be aware that the speed limit surrounding the local school may have been reduced to 20mph, so slow down and keep an eye out for children crossing the road.
 
If your children are walking to school on their own, make sure they are aware of the potential hazards such as crossing busy roads and encourage them to always use the pedestrian crossing if there is one. 

The Good Garage Scheme is grateful to the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) for today's blog on back to school driving safety. For more information about the IAM visit www.iam.org.uk.

 

Good Garage Scheme Goes Back to School for BEN

The Good Garage Scheme will be holding a ‘Back 2 School’ themed day on the 19th July to raise funds for BEN – the Automotive Industry Charity, during National BEN Week.

Staff at the Good Garage Scheme head office in Coventry will be dressing in a "Back to School" theme in celebration of BEN’s 107th Anniversary of providing help and support to the automotive and related industries.

There will be a school-style picnic dinner and lunchtime games.

Employees are also bringing in school photos of their "younger selves" and there will be a prize for the person who can match most faces to names.


BEN exists to provide care, support and advice to those in the automotive industries who need help in times of hardship or distress. It costs approximately £12 million each year for BEN to continue its vital work, and it’s only thanks to the generosity of supporters that BEN is able to do so.

National BEN Week is an annual event aiming to raise awareness and funds for the charity as well as bringing people together from across the industry to celebrate the birth of their dedicated charity.

Read more about the charity at www.ben.org.uk