Back to School Time in Erie – Safety Tips for School Zones

Back to School Time in Erie – Safety Tips for School Zones

It is that time again in Erie — back to school time for thousands of students. Schools in and around Erie will be opening their doors to students later this month. Drivers need to be looking for children in school zones and around parks and neighborhoods. Also, more children may be walking to school or riding their bicycles. All drivers should be aware of the safety concerns associated with back to school time.

Children and Traffic Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that traffic accidents involving children increased in 2015. The number of children injured in 2015 increased by six percent to 178,000 injuries. The number of traffic-related fatalities for children also increased in 2015. The number of deaths related to traffic accidents increased by five percent to 1,132 children. To protect children this school year, review the safety tips for school zones and teach children to be careful when traveling to and from school.

School Zone Safety Tips

  • Always remain alert when approaching a school zone or playground and when driving in neighborhoods.
  • Avoid all distractions when driving near locations where children may be present.
  • Slow down when approaching school zones and obey all traffic laws.
  • Never pass cars or make U-turns in a school zone.
  • Always slow down when approaching a stopped school bus and never pass a stopped bus.
  • Remain alert and look for children who may dart out into the road as the bus approaches. Also look for children crossing the road to board a bus.
  • Slow down when approaching a crossing walk and obey all directions given by the crossing guard.
  • Obey the directions for dropping off and picking up children.
  • Watch for children walking or riding bicycles to school.
  • Do not block crosswalks when stopping for a traffic signal or stop sign. Keep several feet between your vehicle and the crossing walk.
  • When stopping for traffic, allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. This helps prevent your vehicle from being pushed or pushing another vehicle into a child’s path.
  • When stopping for a school bus, allow extra room between your vehicle and the bus.
  • Watch for children playing at bus stops. Children can dart, be pushed, or fall into the road.

For more school safety tips, you can visit the websites for AAA Exchange, Safe Kids, PA DMV, and National Safety Council.

Call an Erie Car Accident Attorney for Help

If your child is injured in a traffic accident, you need to take steps to protect your child’s legal right to file a claim for damages. Our Erie traffic accident attorneys can help you identify the responsible parties and file a claim that helps your child receive the maximum compensation allowable by law.

Contact The Travis Law Firm toll-free at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free legal consultation with one of our attorneys.  Your child may be entitled to recover compensation for pain and suffering in addition to the financial damages your family has sustained because of a negligent driver.