By ALLEN MCQUISTONJemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963
School’s back, which means the roads look a little different. More buses. More parents rushing through drop-off lines. And more kids crossing streets with backpacks bouncing behind them.
That also means one thing: this is the worst possible time to be distracted behind the wheel.
Distraction Isn’t Just Phones
We all think of texting when we hear “distracted driving.” But honestly, it’s anything that pulls your eyes, hands, or brain away from the road. That “quick reply” at a red light, the coffee lid that won’t stay on, even just letting your mind drift after a long day.
It doesn’t take much—a couple of seconds is enough to miss a stop sign or a kid darting between parked cars.
Why Back-to-School Makes It Riskier
Kids are unpredictable. They run, chase each other, and forget about traffic. Add in school zones with slower speed limits and a bunch of parents multitasking in the same place, and you’ve got a recipe for close calls.
A Few Simple Habits That Help
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Toss your phone in the back seat or glove box.
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Set your music and GPS before you shift into drive.
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Leave five minutes earlier so you’re not rushing.
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Keep a little extra space between you and the car ahead.
Bottom Line
Distracted driving isn’t “multitasking”—it’s gambling. And during school season, it’s not just your safety at risk, it’s kids walking to class, neighbors crossing the street, and families waiting at the bus stop.
So this fall, let’s all make the choice to keep the focus where it belongs: on the road.