As Dallas Area Students Head Back To School, Here Are Some Important Safety Tips
For many school districts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, classes kick off next week. The beginning of the school year is an ideal time to review road safety guidelines, particularly for new drivers such as teenagers. Even experienced drivers can benefit from a few reminders about the unique hazards that arise during the school season, especially during peak times when students are arriving in the morning or departing in the afternoon. As a personal injury law firm in Dallas, we observe a rise in accidents during this period that could be easily prevented if drivers take a moment to brush up on these risks.
Driving Through School Zones
With an increased number of kids crossing the streets, it’s crucial to be aware of the speed limit changes that take place during certain times in the morning and afternoon. These modifications are implemented to guarantee safety when children are walking or biking to and from school.
When you notice flashing lights in a school zone, be sure to stop and allow kids to cross the street safely at the crosswalk or intersection. It’s very important to always stop for a school crossing guard who is displaying a stop sign, even if you don’t see any children preparing to cross the road.
Schools typically have specific drop-off rules that must be adhered to during the school year. It’s essential to understand these guidelines to ensure the safety of all students. These regulations apply in every school zone.
Keep An Eye Out for Children on Bicycles
Kids riding bikes can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and them. When passing a child biking on the sidewalk, try to steer a little more towards the center of the road if it’s safe, and stay alert for any signs that they might suddenly change direction and come towards you.
When you spot a child riding their bike on the road ahead, it’s essential to be cautious if you need to go around them. Young kids often don’t check their surroundings or signal before turning. If you can, the best approach is to hold back and wait until they change direction before you pass them.
When you’re stopped at a red light or waiting to turn, ensure you don’t block the crosswalk. If you do, kids might have to ride around your vehicle, which could expose them to oncoming traffic. It’s also very important to keep an eye out for kids biking, especially in school zones, near parks, and in residential areas.
Always Yield to School Busses
Research from the National Safety Council indicates that most children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are aged between 4 and 7, and they are typically on foot. It’s vital to never pass a school bus when its stop sign is out, its lights are flashing, or if you see kids getting on or off the bus.
Children rushing to catch the bus or those disembarking after school frequently dart across the street without checking for oncoming vehicles. It’s essential to stay vigilant for kids who might unexpectedly cross the road, even after the bus lights have turned off.
It’s crucial to maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from a school bus that has stopped. This distance is generally the minimum required for the bus driver to see you in their mirrors if they need to reverse the bus.
When driving behind a bus, it’s necessary to keep a greater distance between your vehicle and the bus than you would with a regular car. This additional space allows you more time to react and stop when the yellow lights on the bus begin to flash. Also, keep in mind that in every state across the nation, it is illegal to pass a school bus that has halted to pick up or drop off children.
IF YOU OR YOUR CHILD IS INJURED ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL, CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF BRIAN BRUNSON TODAY.
Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.
We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.
