As the new school year approaches, the excitement of students returning to class also brings a higher risk of accidents. From increased traffic to the presence of school buses and distracted pedestrians, navigating these challenges can be overwhelming for any driver. The sobering reality is that car accidents remain a leading cause of death for teenagers in the U.S., with thousands of students injured each year during their commutes. Whether you’re a parent dropping off your kids or a commuter passing through school zones, heightened caution is crucial to prevent potential tragedies.
At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP we understand how frightening these risks can be, and we’re here to help ensure your family is safe during the school season. If your child is injured in an accident, our experienced attorneys are ready to stand by your side. We offer personalized legal support and a free consultation to evaluate your case. Contact us at (866) 580-1960 today to learn how we can help you navigate this challenging time and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Preparing for the School Season
As the school year approaches, it’s essential to prepare yourself and your vehicle for the increased traffic and pedestrian activity. Here are some tips to help you get ready:
- Review Your Route: Take some time to review your route to school and identify potential hazards, such as school zones, bus stops, and areas with high pedestrian activity. Knowing these spots in advance can help you drive more cautiously.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is in top condition. Check your tire pressure, brakes, and visibility. A well-maintained car is crucial for safe driving, especially in busy school zones.
- Leave Early: Consider leaving earlier than usual to account for increased traffic and potential delays. This will help you avoid rushing and reduce the risk of accidents.
- Familiarize with Local Rules: Make sure you are familiar with local school zone rules and regulations, including speed limits and any specific safety measures that may be in place. Knowing the rules can help you navigate school zones safely.
Navigating the back-to-school season presents a fresh set of driving challenges, including increased congestion, the presence of school buses, heightened safety risks, and a greater need for vigilance. Ensuring that children get to school safely is a shared responsibility between parents and drivers, who must review safety tips to navigate increased traffic and the presence of young pedestrians. It’s crucial to bear in mind that motor vehicle accidents stand as the foremost cause of death for teenagers in the United States.
Given these sobering statistics, it’s evident that special attention and heightened caution are paramount. Regardless of your level of driving experience, adhering to these safety reminders is essential to steer clear of auto accidents on Long Island.
School Buses
The law in every state requires you to stop when a school bus is on-loading and unloading students. When a stopped school bus flashes its red light(s), under New York law, all traffic from all directions must stop. You must stop even if the bus is on the other side of a divided highway. You may think that is ridiculous, but we are dealing with the safety of children and it is the law.
The law also requires you to stop in parking lots if a bus is loading or off-loading. In practice, this is your school’s parking lot. New York law requires you to stop for a bus in a parking lot just like on the roads. In addition, New York law requires you to keep your car 20 feet away—about half a basketball court—from a bus that is loading or off-loading.
In general, drive slowly around the school buses. Driving extra slow gives you the chance to stop if a young kid does something unpredictable. Do not text or use your phone when you are driving. Seriously, around buses and children, just put the phone down for a few minutes. Do not use ear- or headphones, either. You need to be able to hear warning sounds. You are not allowed to drive while wearing ear- or headphones.
Double-Parked Cars
Double-parked cars present an extra hazard, so slow down and be more alert when approaching them. Watch for a door to open quickly and unexpectedly, watch for kids exiting on the street side, watch for children who might dart out in front of you and remember that your visibility is diminished.
20 Miles per Hour in School Speed Zones
The speed limit in school zones is 20 miles per hour. Yes, that is very slow. But, you want to be able to stop if a kid runs out unexpectedly in front of your car. Trust us on this. You really do NOT want to have to face the parent of the child you just hit with your car. Plus, driving 20 miles-per-hour in school zones is the law.
Safe Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures
The school drop-off and pick-up process can be chaotic, but there are steps you can take to ensure a safe and smooth experience for everyone involved. Here are some tips:
- Follow School Procedures: Adhere to the school’s designated drop-off and pick-up procedures, which may include specific routes, times, and locations. This helps maintain order and safety.
- Be Aware of Surroundings: Always be aware of your surroundings, including other vehicles, pedestrians, and children. Drive slowly past parked cars and be prepared for sudden movements.
- Unload Children Safely: Never unload children from the driver’s side of the vehicle, as this can put them at risk of being struck by another vehicle. Always use the curbside for unloading.
- Use Crosswalks and Follow Guards: Use designated crosswalks and follow the instructions of crossing guards, if present. They are there to ensure everyone’s safety.
- Be Patient and Courteous: Patience and courtesy go a long way. Avoid using your horn or making aggressive maneuvers. Remember, the safety of children is the priority.
By following these simple steps, you can help create a safer and more organized drop-off and pick-up process for everyone at school.
Children Walking and on Bikes
When driving near a school, you have to be extra alert, because the kids themselves are often distracted. You remember what it was like when you were walking or biking or boarding to school. You were listening to music, talking to your friends, and doing your own thing. In short, you were not paying very much attention. Now that you are a driver, you now have to pay more attention because the children will not.
Young children, in particular, are unpredictable and are more likely than older children to dart out between cars or run unexpectedly into the street. Be extra watchful if young children are present. As the new school year approaches, it is crucial to get children to school safely. Both students and drivers should review safety tips to navigate increased traffic and the presence of young pedestrians, stressing that student safety is a shared responsibility between parents and drivers.
Bicycles present an extra hazard, so give them extra room on the roadways. Keep a slow speed and move over a little in your lane as you go around a bicycle.
Staying Alert and Focused
Staying alert and focused while driving is crucial, especially during the school year when there are more pedestrians and vehicles on the road. Here are some tips to help you stay alert and focused:
- Avoid Distractions: Avoid distractions such as using your phone or eating while driving. Keep your eyes on the road at all times.
- Be Aware of Surroundings: Always be aware of your surroundings, including other vehicles, pedestrians, and children. Anticipate potential hazards and be prepared to react.
- Follow Speed Limits: Adhere to the speed limit and adjust your speed according to road conditions and pedestrian activity. This is especially important in school zones.
- Use Mirrors and Check Blind Spots: Regularly use your mirrors and check your blind spots to stay aware of your surroundings. This helps you spot potential dangers early.
- Take Breaks: On long drives, take regular breaks to rest and stretch your legs. Staying refreshed helps maintain focus and alertness.
By staying alert and focused, you can help ensure a safer driving experience for yourself and everyone on the road, especially during the busy school season.
Your Pals can be Dangerous to You and Others
Finally, be cautious of who you allow to ride in your car. You need to avoid supposed “friends” who want you to drive “fast and furious” or who disrespect your commitment to being a safe driver. If you have a friend like that, put them out of your car and keep them out until they stop applying peer pressure to make you do something that will get someone hurt or killed.
Additional Safety Tips
Here are some additional safety tips to help you navigate the school year safely:
- Be Aware of School Buses: Be mindful of school buses and their blind spots. Never pass a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended.
- Follow Speed Limits in School Zones: Always follow the posted speed limit in school zones, even if it’s not an active school zone. Children may still be present.
- Watch for Children Walking or Biking: Be cautious of children who may be walking or biking to school. Anticipate potential hazards such as children darting into the road.
- Use Headlights During Low Visibility: Use your headlights during dawn and dusk hours to increase your visibility to other drivers and pedestrians.
- Consider Defensive Driving Courses: Consider taking a defensive driving course to improve your driving skills and stay up-to-date on the latest safety techniques.
By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can help ensure a safe and smooth back-to-school season for everyone.
Contact a Long Island Attorney Accident Attorney Today
If you need additional information or want to understand your rights and obligations, including back-to-school driver safety, as a driver or if your child is injured at school, contact an experienced Long Island accident lawyer at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP at (866) 580-1960 or complete our online contact form. We offer free, no-cost/no-obligation consultations and are available 24/7.
As the new school year approaches, it is crucial to get children to school safely by reviewing safety tips and understanding that student safety is a shared responsibility between parents and drivers. For additional safety tips and insights, visit the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP YouTube Channel, where we share important information to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
