Back-to-School Safety Alert: Essential Driving Tips to Keep Pedestrians, Drivers Safe

As the school year kicks off, the roads become bustling with activity, and the risk of accidents increases significantly, making it crucial for drivers to prioritize safety.

Drivers must remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols to protect young pedestrians and ensure a smooth commute for everyone, traffic safety experts say. Keep these statistics in mind:

• From 2007 to 2016, nearly 300 children were killed in school transportation-related crashes. Of these, 98 children were pedestrians struck by vehicles.
• Nearly two-thirds of school-age pedestrians fatally injured in these crashes were struck when getting on or off a school bus, either by the bus (62%) or by other vehicles (38%).
• Crashes in school safety zones occur three times more frequently during pick-up and drop-off hours compared to other times of the day, with the most dangerous period being Fridays between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that among 206 school-age fatalities from 2012 to 2021, more school-age pedestrians were killed between 6 to 6:59 a.m. and 3 to 3:59 p.m. than during any other hours of the day.
• A study found that 1 in 4 high school students and 1 in 6 middle school students walked while distracted, and 80% displayed unsafe street crossing behavior.
• Among school-age fatalities, more children are hit by cars during the hours of 6 to 6:59 a.m. and 3 to 3:59 p.m. than at any other times of the day.
• There has been a 13% increase in the pedestrian death rate for 12 to 19-year-olds in recent years, highlighting the need for renewed focus on pedestrian safety.

Chris Hagan, attorney for the Law Office of Chain | Cohn | Clark, joined Bakersfield Eyewitness News to discuss back-to-school road safety.

“The bottom line is slow down, pay attention, you’ll get to where you’re going,” Hagan told the news station. “You may get there a couple of minutes late, but that’s OK, you’re going to get there alive. And the person that’s crossing the crosswalk that you were mindful enough to stop for because you were paying attention, they’re going to get to where they’re going alive as well.”

Here are some ways to make sure you and those around you make it to destinations safe on school days.

1. Obey Speed Limits: School zones often have reduced speed limits during pick-up and drop-off times. Drivers should be attentive to speed limit signs and be prepared to slow down even further if necessary.
2. Stop for School Buses: It is illegal and dangerous to pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign. Drivers must stop and wait until the bus resumes motion.
3. Avoid Distractions: Using mobile phones or other distractions while driving can be deadly, especially in school zones. Drivers should stay focused on the road.
4. Watch for Pedestrians: Crosswalks near schools are particularly busy. Drivers should yield to pedestrians and be cautious of children who may unexpectedly cross the street.
5. Be Aware of School Hours: Knowing the start and end times of schools can help drivers plan their routes and avoid heavy traffic.
6. Follow Crossing Guards’ Instructions: Crossing guards play a crucial role in ensuring pedestrian safety. Drivers should follow their signals without hesitation.
7. Use Caution Near School Grounds: Children can be unpredictable, so it’s important to drive cautiously around school entrances, parking lots, and playgrounds.

———

If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, or injured on the job no matter whose fault it is, contact the attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form, text, or chat with us at chainlaw.com.

———

MEDIA COVERAGE

• Back to school: Driving safe to start the school year strong (KBAK-29 Eyewitness News – Aug. 12, 2024)