Back-to-School Safety Starts Before You Leave the Driveway

The school year is back, and with it comes a very different kind of driving season. School buses are making their morning rounds, children are walking and biking to school, parking lots are crowded, and family schedules are filling up with sports, practices, activities, and appointments.

At Pine Belt Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Lakewood, we know many families rely on their vehicles to handle a lot. Whether it’s the daily school run in a Chrysler Pacifica, hauling sports gear in a Jeep or Dodge, or putting a Ram truck to work, September is a great time to make safety and maintenance part of the routine.

Start with a Walk Around Your Vehicle

Before the morning rush begins, occasionally take a minute to walk around your vehicle.

Look for a low tire, check that nothing is behind or underneath the vehicle, and make sure you have a clear path out of the driveway.

This is particularly important in neighborhoods where children may be playing, walking to a bus stop, or riding bicycles nearby.

Secure Backpacks, Sports Gear, and Cargo

Back-to-school season can turn the family vehicle into a rolling equipment locker.

Backpacks, laptops, sports equipment, instruments, and other items should be properly secured whenever possible. Loose objects can move during hard braking or sudden maneuvers.

Keeping cargo organized can also help preserve visibility through the rear window.

Take Extra Care When Backing Up

Driveways and school parking lots can be extremely busy in September.

Use your mirrors, physically check your surroundings, and use your vehicle’s available backup camera and safety technology as additional tools. Never rely solely on technology when backing up around pedestrians.

Move slowly and be prepared to stop immediately.

Watch Carefully for School Buses

Expect frequent stops when driving behind a school bus.

Leave additional following distance, watch for flashing lights, and always obey New Jersey laws regarding stopped school buses. Saving a few seconds is never worth putting a child at risk.

Check Your Tires and Brakes

Family vehicles work hard, and summer driving can add plenty of miles.

Check your tire pressure, tread depth, and overall condition. Pay attention to how your brakes feel and sound. Squealing, grinding, vibration, or changes in braking performance shouldn’t be ignored.

Your tires and brakes are especially important as we approach cooler temperatures, rain, fallen leaves, and other changing fall road conditions.

Check Lights and Wipers

School activities don’t always end before sunset.

Make sure your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are operating properly. Good windshield wipers are equally important as fall weather arrives.

Clear visibility helps you see pedestrians, bicyclists, road hazards, and other vehicles sooner.

Stay Ahead of Routine Maintenance

Between work, school, sports, and family activities, there’s rarely a convenient time for unexpected vehicle trouble.

Review your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule and take care of routine items before they become another entry on an already crowded calendar.

Make September a Safer Start

The back-to-school season is a good reminder that vehicle safety starts long before you reach the school parking lot. Good driving habits, careful attention, and a properly maintained vehicle all play a part.

If your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram vehicle is due for maintenance or you’d like to have something checked before fall, schedule a service appointment with Pine Belt Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Lakewood. Our service team is here to help keep your vehicle ready for school days, workdays, weekends, and everything in between.