Tips for a Safe School-Day Commute

Going back to school can be a busy and exciting time for parents and students. It's also a good time for drivers to reacquaint themselves with more attentive habits while on the road, as familiar commutes will be more crowded than they were during the summer months.

So whether you're driving a Penske rental truck or your own vehicle, follow these tips from Penske's safety experts and AAA to help you and your family make the grade for a safe commute this school year.

Commuting by Car

• Obey speed limits and stay alert, especially in school zones.
• Avoid multitasking and never text while driving.
• Children younger than 12 should be in the backseat and properly secured within a booster seat, car seat or with a seatbelt.
• If you are carpooling, remind passengers to wear seatbelts.
• Make complete stops at stop signs.
• Always stop for school buses when they are flashing red or yellow lights.
• Never park in school zones.
• Do not block crosswalks.
• Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections.

It's equally important for students to learn safe habits if they are walking or riding a bicycle to school.

Students on Bicycles

• Children riding bikes to school should understand basic safety guidelines and wear helmets.
• Bicyclists should always ride with traffic. They should also obey stop signs and red lights.
• Students should be steady on their bikes with the ability to ride in a straight line.
• Choose a route to school with limited traffic, if possible, or use bike paths.
• Never use earbuds or electronics while on a bike.

Walking to School

• Children younger than 10 should walk with an adult to and from school.
• Teach children the importance of using crosswalks and staying alert to traffic.
• Always look left, right and left again before crossing the street.
• If possible, drop children off at a location where they won't have to cross a street alone.
• Stay alert while walking a child to school or the bus stop, so avoid distractions like phones.

Driving Your Penske Rental

• Do not park your moving truck at a bus stop or in a school zone.
• Familiarize yourself with a truck's blind spots and stay alert to school traffic.
• Check for children playing under or around the truck before moving it.
• Stay alert for pedestrians, bicyclists and school buses.

Ready to move? Take advantage of all Penske Truck Rental has to offer with discounts for AAA members, college students and members of the military. Penske also offers free unlimited miles on one-way rentals, great deals on packing supplies and 24/7 roadside assistance. Visit the Penske Truck Rental website for more information.

By John Moralis