The 2019/2020 school year is now in full swing. Many children and parents are adjusting to the post-summer commute. But have all drivers adjusted to it yet?
School zones in Fairfield County often become congested with lines of traffic, some of which can spill out onto the roads and streets. In addition, many children who live within the vicinity of their schools either walk or ride their bicycles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the greatest danger school children face isn't on the bus. From 2008-2017, approximately 264 children across the United States died in traffic accidents — 203 of which were walking, bicycling, or riding in a car to school.
Safety tips for walkers and bicyclists
The NHTSA offers these tips for children to stay safe on their way to and from school.
For walkers:
- If there is a sidewalk available, always use it. Otherwise, walk on the edge of the road facing traffic.
- Always use crosswalks if they are available.
- Look both ways for cars and bikes before crossing the street.
- Avoid horsing around, pushing, or playing when near traffic.
- Stay attentive and pay attention.
For bicyclists:
- Make sure you wear a properly fitted helmet with the chin strap securely fastened.
- Ride in the same direction traffic is traveling.
- If a bike lane is available, use it. Otherwise, ride along the edge of the road.
- Avoid using electronic devices or wearing earbuds.
- Stay attentive.
Safety tips for teen drivers
We can all remember what it was like getting our driver's license for the first time — a sense of freedom and independence previously unimagined. Teen drivers, however, don't yet possess adequate driving experience. In addition, they are more likely to take risks than adult drivers.
This can be especially dangerous in school zones, where other children are walking, bicycling, and crossing the street.
The NHTSA offers these safety tips for teen drivers:
- Make sure you and everyone in the car wears a seatbelt.
- Obey the speed limit and all traffic signs and signals.
- Keep phones and other distracting items out of reach.
- If you have passengers, keep your eyes on the road when talking to them.
At the Vishno Law Firm, we urge drivers, students, and parents to be extra cautious during the school year. Should you or a loved one be hurt in a crash, contact us to explore the legal options available to you. We proudly fight on behalf of injured road users throughout Fairfield County.