Summer has officially ended and school is back in session. The lazy days of summer have transitioned to making school lunches every day, helping your kids with homework, and driving them to after-school activities. As you head into this busy and hectic time of year, it is a good time to review some important safety tips, particularly when it comes to driving in school zones where children are walking or riding their bikes to and from school. Motorists are also urged to use extra caution and follow the rules of the road when sharing the road with school buses. If you are injured in a car accident during the back-to-school season, do not hesitate to contact an experienced car accident lawyer.
What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents Near Schools?
If there is an environment where motorists should make safety a top priority at all times, it is in a school zone. Unfortunately, there are times when motorists engage in unsafe and irresponsible driving behavior that can cause a serious accident and endanger the lives of other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists in the vicinity. The following are examples of some of the common causes of car accidents as children are heading back to school:
- Rushing: Getting back into the school routine can be an adjustment for the whole family. Oftentimes, parents may rush to drop their kids off at school so that they can make it to work on time. Teen drivers who overslept may also end up rushing to make it to school before the first bell rings. Unfortunately, rushing can lead to unsafe driving behaviors like speeding, tailgating, and running through red lights, all of which can increase the risk of an accident.
- Distracted driving: There are a number of things that can cause motorists to be distracted, including a text or phone call, another passenger in the vehicle, or reaching for something in the back seat. This is a common yet preventable cause of car accidents in school zones.
- Drowsy driving: Parents and teen drivers may still be adjusting to getting up early, which means that they may not be fully awake and alert when they drive to work and school. Drowsiness can impact reaction times and coordination, which increases the risk of a serious accident.
- Inexperienced drivers: When school is back in session, there are more inexperienced teen motorists on the road driving to and from school. Newly licensed teen drivers may be less equipped to make quick decisions or navigate busy school zones.
How Can I Avoid a Car Accident as My Children Return to School?
It is always important that you follow the rules of the road whenever you are behind the wheel, particularly when you are driving through a school zone or in an area where children are crossing the street or getting on or off of a school bus. During the busy back-to-school season and throughout the school year, keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Avoid all distractions, keep your eyes on the road, and be aware of children walking to school or to the bus stop.
- Obey the posted speed limit.
- When approaching an area where kids are crossing the street, obey the crossing guard at all times.
- Never pass another vehicle when driving in a school zone.
- Use caution when passing parked cars. Children may appear out of nowhere and run across the street.
- Do not pass a school bus when the flashing red lights are on, and the stop arm is out. The yellow flashing lights alert other motorists that the bus is preparing to stop, which means you should slow down and prepare to stop.
The Delaware Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Represent Victims of Car Accidents
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident during the busy first few days of school, contact the Delaware car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC. We will review the details of the accident and determine who is liable for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 302-888-1221 or contact us online. Located in Wilmington, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, Newark, and Middletown.