Drive Smart This School Year: Protecting Kids and Communities

The start of a new school year means busier roads, more young drivers behind the wheel, and children walking or biking to class. School zones become crowded in the mornings and afternoons, buses make frequent stops, and parents are often juggling hectic schedules while dropping kids off. Add in new teen drivers still gaining experience, and the risk of accidents rises significantly. With so much added activity, it’s important for everyone—whether you’re a parent, commuter, or pedestrian—to take a little extra care on the road to help keep our communities safe.

📌 Parents: Remind your teens that no text or notification is worth their safety. Encourage them to put phones away and focus fully on driving. Setting this habit early can prevent serious accidents.

🚸 Drivers: Pay close attention in school zones and near bus stops. Children may dart across the street without warning, and buses will be making frequent stops to pick up or drop off students. Obey posted speed limits and never pass a stopped school bus.

🛑 Everyone: Plan for a few extra minutes in your daily commute. Rushing through intersections or speeding to make up for lost time increases the risk of accidents—especially in areas with heavy school traffic.

By slowing down, staying alert, and making safety a priority, we can all do our part to protect students, families, and our neighbors as the school year begins.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association