Unfortunately, the summer is now over, so gone are those wistful days at the pool, beach, or lake, although some parents are probably doing a little dance that their kids now have something to do – go back to school. So, here we are again at the end of August where most of North Carolina and South Carolina gears up for another year of PTA meetings, sports events, and practices, concerts, and teacher conferences. Some would say that being a parent is like having another full-time job. Parents now have to skip that second cup of coffee, or worst yet their coffee altogether, and get ready for a new school routine. Typically, someone in the household is starting at a new school, doing a new activity, or maybe even going to school for the very first time. Parents have to transport their children to school, get to work on time, and then sprint out of the door to begin a totally new after school routine. Drivers who don’t have children may also be learning new routines as they could have switched jobs, or moved to a different part of town. Every single driver on the roads and highways of North Carolina and South Carolina will be dealing with new commuting routes, new traffic patterns, but the same hustle and bustle!
If at all leave your home, or apartment, much earlier than normal to avoid driving negligently and thus end up as the person responsible for an automobile accident. When you are running late, it is easy to give in to the temptation to speed, try to beat a red light, or worse email or text someone while driving. Also, be aware of the school buses on the road as both North Carolina and South Carolina law allots significant points to your drivers’ license if you make a bad decision and pass a stopped school bus with its signal lights flashing and caution arm engaged. A great way to decrease the chance of this ever happening is to know where the school bus stops are in your neighborhood, on your way to work, and anywhere else you are traveling as part of your new routine. Drive responsibly and slowly when you are passing schools, bus stops, and stopped school buses, because we all want the kids to get on their bus safely, walk home safely, and you, of course, want to get where you need to on a daily basis without getting an unwanted ticket, or by driving negligently causing a tragedy.
Sharing the highways and byways of your town or city are inexperienced drivers that just got their licenses, or permits, drivers who have relocated to your town, or city, and even drivers whose new commute brings them into a new area that they are unfamiliar with. Driving cautiously and defensively will help you be aware of drivers who may be speeding because they are running late, changing lanes improperly because they don’t know where they are, or simply not paying attention to the road in front of them. It is easier to let someone merge on your terms, rather than have the person try to “force” their way in! Driving courteously and calmly will always be the safest way for you to travel, even if the others on the road with you are not behaving in the same way. The beginning of the new school year is always symbolic of new experiences, and driving responsibly will make it that much better for all of us! The attorneys of Tippens & Zurosky wish you the best for a happy and prosperous new school year.
Tippens & Zurosky has represented people involved in auto accidents in North Carolina and South Carolina for over twenty years. Let us answer any of your questions regarding any automobile accident. Call us toll free at (877) 372-3580, or 704-343-0018 to schedule a consultation so that we may assist you.
