Drive Safely This Fall! Back to School Tips for Drivers

The fall can be a dangerous time for truck driving due to increased hazards on the road. Now that kids across the country are back in school, you’ll see a lot more children waiting at bus stops in the morning. In addition, fall is mating season for deer, and that means that you are far more likely to encounter these animals while you’re driving. In fact, Minnesota ranks among the top 10 states for deer collisions. To avoid an accident with a deer and ensure that pedestrians stay safe while you’re on the road, it’s a good idea to consider a few tips for fall driving safety in Minnesota:
 

• Drive slowly: Deer are incredibly fast animals that can bolt out onto the road in an instant and take you by surprise. Keeping your speed a little lower when you’re in an area that’s likely to have deer, especially heavily wooded areas, is the best way to ensure that you will see a deer in time to stop or, at the very least, slow down and minimize the impact. You should also drive slowly when you’re in a school zone or you see a school bus stop. Children may accidentally step or back into the road if they aren’t paying attention, so it’s important for you to exercise as much caution as possible in areas where children are present.




• Look out for signage: There are usually road signs that indicate areas where deer are likely to be crossing. If you see one of these signs, slow down and focus on the road. The same goes for school zones and bus stops. If you see a sign indicating that you’re near a bus stop or in a school zone, reduce your speed and watch out until you pass by the area.




• Pay attention: Keep your eyes open on the road and minimize your distractions. If you’re driving through a particularly hazardous area where you’re likely to encounter deer, scan the road and look for signs of movement along the side of the road. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so pay attention to your instincts and slow down if you think a deer might be moving near the road.




• Keep your seat belt on: If you get into a collision with a deer, the deer probably has more to worry about than you do, but that doesn’t mean that your safety isn’t at risk. Deer are large animals that can do serious damage and cause injury during a collision. Always keep your seatbelt on while you’re driving, no matter your speed.

 
At K-Way Express, Inc., safety is our top priority. We understand the importance of fall driving safety in Minnesota, which is why we are dedicated to meeting high standards of safety regardless of the kind of service we’re providing. We offer comprehensive logistics, transportation and warehousing solutions to businesses throughout Minnesota. Every business is different, and we are proud to provide services that are tailored to meet the needs of our customers. Call us today to find out more about our capabilities and to get a service quote.