Schools are about to start again

Road safety tips as our schools begin again

After the school vacations in September, traffic congestion increases. It takes some getting used to for schoolchildren, but also for motorists. Together with our strategic partner VVN, we want to increase traffic safety in the Netherlands. As a traffic participant, you can help. How? We would like to share some tips with you.

1. Adjust your speed

Fortunately, most people obey the speed limit. Speeding is a common cause of traffic accidents. Adjust your speed if the situation calls for it.

2. Practice the school route with your children and avoid traffic fatalities

Summer vacation and the first days of school provides an excellent opportunity for parents to explore and practice walking or biking the school route with their children. This way they gain insight into the safest route. And that certainly does not always have to be the shortest or the fastest.

3. Drive MONO

Your friends, family and colleagues are always close by because of your cell phone. Sometimes a little too close. Every app, call or push message causes you to get distracted in traffic. A simple solution: put your cell phone on silent.

4. Avoid school zones

Mornings are often extra busy, even when schools close at the end of the day. Take a different route to work and avoid the school zones. Quieter for you and for the schoolchildren.

5. Work from home

Since the corona crisis, we know that working from home is possible. We see more and more companies where a combination of working from home and in the office is the norm. Is working from home an option for you, too? If so, you'll contribute extra to traffic safety right after the school vacations if you work from home a little more often.

6. Leave on time

Leaving home a little earlier gives you more time to arrive at your destination in a relaxed manner. This also makes you more patient toward your fellow road users and schoolchildren.

7. Grab a bike

Biking a little more often after summer vacation isn't such a crazy idea. Cycling and exercise makes you sharper and helps you get new ideas. Get on your bike to work like the schoolchildren. With fewer cars on the road, the route to school is a lot safer. And good for the environment and your health, too.