Back To School Safety Tips in Dallas
With August here, it’s almost time for school to start again. The start of the school year is a perfect opportunity to go over road safety rules, especially with new drivers like teenagers. Even seasoned drivers can gain from a few reminders about the specific dangers that come with the school season, especially during the busy times when students are arriving in the morning or leaving in the afternoon. As a personal injury firm in Dallas, we notice an increase in accidents around this time that could be easily avoided if drivers take a moment to refresh their knowledge of these risks.
School Zone Safety Tips
With school almost back in session, it’s important to pay attention to the speed limit changes that occur during specific times in the morning and afternoon. These adjustments are made to ensure safety when kids are out walking or biking to and from school.
When you see flashing lights in a school zone, make sure to stop and let kids cross the street safely at the crosswalk or intersection. It’s really important to always stop for a school crossing guard who is holding a stop sign, even if you can’t see any children getting ready to cross the road.
Schools usually have detailed drop-off rules that need to be followed during the school year. It’s important to be familiar with these guidelines to ensure the safety of all students. These rules are applicable in every school zone.
Bicycle Safety Tips
Kids riding bikes can be hard to predict, so it’s important to keep a good distance between your vehicle and them. When you go by a child biking on the sidewalk, try to move a bit more towards the center of the road if it’s safe to do so, and stay watchful for any indication that they might suddenly change direction and come your way.
When you see a child riding their bike on the road ahead, it’s really important to be careful if you have to go around them. Little kids often don’t check their surroundings or signal before they make a turn. If possible, the best thing to do is to hang back and wait until they change direction before you pass them.
When you’re stopped at a red light or waiting to turn, make sure you don’t block the crosswalk. If you do, kids may have to ride around your vehicle, which could put them in danger of oncoming traffic. It’s also really important to keep an eye out for kids riding their bikes, especially in school zones, near parks, and in neighborhoods.
School Bus Safety Tips
Research from the National Safety Council shows that the majority of children who die in bus-related accidents are between the ages of 4 and 7, and they are usually on foot. It’s crucial to never overtake a school bus when its stop sign is extended, its lights are flashing, or if you notice kids getting on or off the bus.
Kids hurrying to catch the bus or those getting off after school often run across the street without checking for cars. It’s important to be on the lookout for children who might suddenly cross the road, even when the bus lights have turned off.
It’s important to keep a distance of at least 10 feet from a school bus that has come to a stop. This distance is usually the minimum needed for the bus driver to spot you in their mirrors if they happen to reverse the bus.
When you’re driving behind a bus, it’s important to keep more space between your car and the bus compared to when you’re following a regular car. This extra distance gives you more time to react and stop when the yellow lights on the bus start flashing. Also, remember that in every state across the country, it’s against the law to pass a school bus that has stopped to pick up or drop off kids.
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.
