It is back-to-school safety time! Every fall when school starts back up drivers are faced with more traffic, not to mention the delays due to stopped and loading or unloading school buses. There is also an increased need for attention due to children who are walking or riding their bike to school. The Georgia DOT urges drivers every fall, and throughout the school year, to put safety first, especially during back-to-school time when drivers and students are once again getting used to new routines and routes.
School Safety and Related Death and Injury
Accident research data indicates more children are hit by a car near a school than at any other location. The National Safety Council reports that most children who lose their lives in a back-to-school bus-related accident are between four and seven years old. Injury and death of young children are most likely due to being hit by a motorist who is illegally passing a stopped bus.
Back to School Safety is for Everyone
Put safety first when around school zones, when children are on or near the roadway, and when a school bus is loading or unloading students. It is important for drivers to slow down and pay attention when children are present on or near the roadways. During peak traffic hours before and after school, it is important to:
- Obey school bus laws: 1) Stop behind and do not pass a school bus loading or unloading children; 2) If school bus lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended then opposing traffic must stop as well unless on a divided highway with a median.
- Watch for school children gathering near the bus stop
- Watch for children who may run or step into the street
- Watch for students walking or riding their bikes back to school
- Pay attention to school zone speed limits
- Watch for school zone flashing beacons or warning signs
- With the change in seasons, be more vigilant during darker morning commutes
School Student Accident Attorney
Joel Baskin is the attorney to call for any school student roadway incident. Accidents happen. Injuries happen. Call the office for a confidential review of your case and situation.