Off To College: Driving Safety Tips

It's time to go back to college!  Share these valuable driving safety tips with your college students as they load up their cars and head back to college.

  1. Avoid Cramming, Pack Right. Even though your son or daughter will try to fit every last piece of dorm room equipment into the car, make sure whoever is driving is able to see out of the rearview mirror despite a fully packed car. Nothing should be packed above seat level in order to avoid projectile movement of objects if the need to stop short arises. Pack right by making two trips or shipping what will not fit safely in the car.
  2. Take a Break. Whether you or child is driving, make sure to plan to take stops and break up your drive if it is a long one.
  3. Conduct a Car Check. Check headlights, oil, turn signals, and tires before letting your son or daughter embark on their journey to college. You never know when these vehicle essentials may break down!
  4. Keep Your Eyes Peeled For Pedestrians. All college campuses experience an increase in the number of pedestrians walking around. Remind your son or daughter to yield to pedestrians and to never pass a car that is stopped at a cross walk.
  5. Always Lock up! College students often forget that urban areas of college campuses are not as safe as their parents' driveway. Remind your son or daughter to never leave valuables in the car and always lock the car.