Schools Are Open - Proceed With Care!

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Yes, schools here in South Central Texas have started back up again. As classic car and muscle car drivers, we not only have to take extra care in watching out for children walking to school, but also for the school buses.

I'm on the road a lot, and when making an early morning run, I frequently run smack into a school bus along its route. In our rural location, the buses are well equipped with flashing strobe lights, and I know the rules of the road well enough to know that I must stop every time that the red flashing lights are put on because the bus is either picking up or dropping off a child at their home or the neighborhood bus stop. But, not everyone on the road follows the rules, and I'm always amazed when I see someone blast around the bus when it's making its stop, or become impatient at the long wait and try to sneak around! This is not only dangerous to the kids boarding the bus, but to other drivers, as no one is expecting to look out for someone passing the bus, especially the bus driver.

But, children and buses are not the only thing we as classic car drivers need to worry about. Yes, there is always the increased traffic that seems to come out of nowhere once school begins, but the hidden dangers are in the increased number of young drivers who are old enough to drive themselves back and forth from school, but who statistically are not the best drivers!

If you live near or drive in an area with a high school, you need to be especially aware and cautious. New drivers are notoriously unaware of the dangers of driving and tend to take risks that we adults would not. Applying makeup, talking on the phone, texting, taking eyes off the road to locate something in a bag on the floor, chatting it up with friends, girl-watching or boy-oggling are all events that happen on a daily basis with teenage drivers. Many are not fully aware or believing in the dangers of distracted driving.

So, although we cannot stop these actions or events from happening, we can at least step up our awareness and be extra careful while on the road. Safe driving.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.