school zone speed limit sign with bus

August is Back-To-School Safety Month

August is Back-to-School Safety Month and an excellent time to review your family’s safety and emergency plans. Although schools have emergency plans and hold drills throughout the year, parents should make sure their children know their phone number, address, and how to get in touch with them or another trusted adult in case of an emergency.

Traffic safety is also key to keeping children safe. With school back in session, drivers need to do their part to keep kids safe as they walk and bike to school. Here are some safe driving tips to remember this month and throughout the school year from Aronfeld Trial Lawyers.  

Drive Slowly in Residential Neighborhoods and School Zones.

The beginning of the school year means children will be waiting at bus stops, especially in residential areas. Slow down and be especially alert in school zones and residential neighborhoods.

School zones have reduced speed limits, usually at 25 mph, and while this speed can seem slow, the speed limit has been reduced for a good reason. Be aware of this reduced speed and adjust your driving accordingly.

elementary school kids arrive at school from the school bus

Drive Slow and Be Patient in School Parking Lots.

Some of the most chaotic and stressful situations for drivers and pedestrians involves the school parking lot. During drop-off and pick-up times, children are getting in and out of cars, and freely crossing through the parking lot. Parents may not always be paying close attention, and a child could easily dart out from a car, resulting in a tragic- but avoidable accident.

Be patient and drive with caution through school parking lots. When backing out of a parking spot, make sure there are no children walking behind your vehicle. Also, do not park illegally as it can block visibility for pedestrians and other vehicles trying to leave the lot. Be aware of the buses and where they pull in and out of the school and be aware of the crossing areas for children who walk to school. Even if a parent is running late and is in a hurry, that is never an excuse to drive carelessly while in a school zone.

Be Extra Cautious at Intersections.

When approaching a stop sign in a residential area or at any intersection, it is important to exercise caution. If children are in the area, do not assume they know when and where to cross. Allow the children to fully cross through the intersection before driving through.

Watch for School Buses.

The start of the school year means buses will be out on the road again. When driving behind a school bus, leave extra room between your car and the bus. This distance gives the driver time to stop once the bus begins to flash the yellow caution lights.  It’s illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus once the red lights are flashing indicating that children are getting on or off the bus. Wait for all children to get off the bus and for the bus driver to give the ‘all clear’ before continuing to drive. When stopping to let children on and off a bus, a good rule of thumb is to give at least 10 feet around the school bus to allow the children to safely enter and exit. Be aware that children are unpredictable and may ignore hazards when getting on and off the bus.

Be Aware of Bicyclists on the Road.

In addition to buses and cars on the road, it is important that drivers are aware of children riding bikes to school. Children are not always aware of the rules of the road when riding a bike. In addition, bikes can stop quickly and without warning, and if a driver is not paying attention, this sudden stop can mean a collision with a bicyclist. Leave extra distance, and when approaching an intersection, assume the bicyclist will turn, even if he or she is not indicating an upcoming turn.

There Will be More Teen Drivers on the Road.

Another risk to motorists and pedestrians once school begins is the number of young drivers on the road. While, yes, teen drivers have completed driver’s education and have training, this does not mean that they will be careful when on the road or when exiting a school parking lot.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Florida, it is very important to consult with an experienced Miami auto accident attorney immediately.  Florida auto accident victims have only 14 days to seek initial medical attention to receive insurance benefits after an accident, so it is important you are seen by a doctor as soon as possible following the accident.  Spencer Aronfeld is a Board Certified Trial Lawyer, and he and the lawyers at Aronfeld Trial Lawyers understand Florida’s complex personal injury laws and since 1991 we have fought hard to protect the legal rights of the injured and their families- and hold auto insurers like State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, GEICO and others accountable for the pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages suffered by our clients. Contact us today and speak with an experienced Miami auto accident attorney toll free 1-866-597-4529, local 305-441-0440, or by email.  We offer a free initial consultation at your home, office, hotel or hospital.  Call us today, we are ready to help.