Now that the school year has started up again you’re likely to see safety messages about being mindful of speed in school zones, looking for children by roadways and keeping a lookout for stopping buses when school is back in session. This will help people be on high alert in the coming weeks when driving through school zones. But as the months wear on and we become preoccupied with a slew of school and sports activities, it’s easy for people to become complacent as the months wear on.

So when you get behind the wheel, consider working on the following skills to combat human factors like complacency and to help you start being attentive all year long:

• Be on the lookout for signs of complacency in other people as this will keep you focused on safety and help you from going into autopilot mode. Common signs of complacent drivers include driving while eating, texting or talking, blowing through a red light because they didn’t see it, not signaling or being slow to brake
• Work on your habits so that when your own complacency creeps in and you drift into autopilot, the things you do automatically will help—like wearing your seatbelt, checking your blind spots, and getting your eyes back on the road quickly if something distracts you.
• Analyze any small mistakes you make and think about whether complacency was a factor. Small mistakes can provide a timely wakeup call and will remind you to keep alert while driving.
• Talk with your spouse and children about the hazards in operating such a large piece of machinery and the added dangers associated with school being back in session. Keeping the topic in the front of your mind will help you from becoming complacent while driving your vehicle.
• Take a different route. It’s easier to become complacent when you don’t have to think about where you’re going so try shaking up your normal route to force yourself to pay attention.

Keep yourself and those around you safe this school year. If you’re interested in learning more about how human factors affect road safety and much more, check out our free on-demand webinars.