Each fall, the return to school brings changes to the roadways that recovery professionals travel every day. School buses return to their routes, traffic increases around schools and neighborhoods, and more children, bicyclists and pedestrians are present during morning and afternoon hours.
As professionals who spend significant time on the road, these changing conditions are an important reminder to slow down, stay alert and practice defensive driving. A few extra seconds of caution can help protect drivers, pedestrians and the communities you serve.
Be Prepared for Changing Road Conditions
Back-to-school traffic can create hazards throughout the day, particularly during school arrival and dismissal times. Recovery professionals should be prepared for increased traffic, frequent school bus stops, crossing guards, inexperienced teen drivers and children who may unexpectedly enter the roadway.
These risks aren’t limited to designated school zones. Residential neighborhoods, intersections, parking areas and streets surrounding schools can all experience increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic as students return to school.
Stay Alert in and Around School Zones
Recovery work can take you through residential neighborhoods and unfamiliar areas at any time of day. During the school year, additional awareness is especially important when traveling near schools, bus routes and areas where children may be present.
Keep these safe-driving practices in mind:
- Slow down in school zones. Obey posted speed limits and be prepared to reduce your speed further when children or pedestrians are present.
- Give school buses extra space. Be prepared for frequent stops and maintain enough following distance to react safely. Always follow applicable laws regarding stopped school buses and flashing signals.
- Watch for children and pedestrians. Scan sidewalks, intersections, parking lots and driveways. Children may enter the roadway unexpectedly, particularly before and after school.
- Eliminate distractions. Set your GPS and route before driving whenever possible, put the phone away and avoid activities that take your attention from the road.
- Allow extra travel time. Morning and afternoon school traffic can create unexpected delays. Planning additional time reduces the temptation to rush when traffic patterns change.
Defensive Driving Is Part of Good Risk Management
For recovery professionals, safe driving is more than a seasonal concern. Time spent on the road, travel through residential areas and changing traffic conditions make defensive driving an important part of day-to-day risk management.
Maintain a safe following distance, signal early, check mirrors frequently and anticipate sudden stops or unexpected movements from other drivers and pedestrians. During back-to-school season, allowing a little more time and space can make a meaningful difference.
Good risk management begins before an incident occurs. Staying alert, recognizing changing conditions and making safe driving practices part of everyday recovery operations can help reduce unnecessary exposure while protecting employees and the public.
Helping Recovery Professionals Manage Risk
Recovery Specialist Insurance Group works with recovery professionals to help protect their businesses from the risks associated with operating in the repossession industry. Safe driving practices, employee awareness and proactive risk management all play a role in reducing exposure before a loss occurs.
Learn more about repossession insurance and the coverage solutions available through RSIG.