School Zone Safety: Preventing Pedestrian Accidents Involving Children

Pedestrian accidents involving children can have devastating consequences, and it’s important to take steps for school zone safety to prevent them, especially in school zones where children are present. 

First, take a look at what is a school safety zone.

What Is A School Safety Zone?

School zone safety means the safety zones within the school’s property within 1,000 feet. The school boards and the elementary are giving this area to the school. 

Within the 1000 ft of the campus, the children are entrusted, and often, the vehicle’s speeds have the limit in this area.

What Are The Tips For Improving School Safety Zones?

Vehicle speeding in a school zone is a serious offense, especially when that school zone is already declared a protective zone.

Here are some tips to improve school zone safety and prevent pedestrian accidents involving children:

Slow Down Sign: 

The speed limit in school zones is usually lower than in other areas for a reason. It’s important to obey the speed limit and be aware of your surroundings. Slow down, especially during school hours when children are likely to be present and increase school zone safety.

Watch For Pedestrians: 

Keep an eye out for pedestrians, especially children. Look for children crossing the street, walking on the sidewalk, or entering or exiting vehicles. Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and never pass a school zone safety vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk.

Avoid Distractions:

Distracted driving is dangerous, especially in school zones. Avoid using your phone, eating or drinking, or any other activity that takes your attention away from the road.

Use Crosswalks: 

Encourage children to use crosswalks when crossing the street. Teach them to look both ways before crossing and to wait for a signal or for traffic to come to a complete stop before crossing.

Obey Traffic Signs And Signals: 

Pay attention to traffic signs and signals, and obey them. Stop at stop signs and red lights, and yield to pedestrians as required to increase school zone safety.

Maintain Your Vehicle: 

Regular maintenance of your vehicle, such as ensuring that brakes, tires, and headlights are in good working condition, can help prevent accidents.

Be Aware of School Buses: 

School buses often stop frequently to pick up and drop off children, so be aware of them and stop when required. Never pass a school bus that is stopped with its lights flashing.

By following these school zone safety tips, drivers can help prevent pedestrian accidents in school zones and keep children safe.

What Are The Causes Of Child Pedestrian Accidents In School Zones?

Pedestrian accidents in school zones can have various causes, but some of the most common ones include:

Speeding Vehicle: 

Drivers who exceed the speed limit in school zones have less time to react to pedestrians and are more likely to cause accidents.

Distracted Driving: 

Distracted driving is a major cause of pedestrian accidents in school zones. Drivers who are actually doing something different like texting and talking over the phone, or engaging with other distractions are less likely to see pedestrians and react in time to avoid an accident.

Yield Failure: 

Drivers who failing to yield to pedestrians or through the crosswalks or through any intersections can cause serious accidents, particularly in school zones where children may be crossing the street.

Poor Visibility: 

Poor visibility due to weather conditions or obstructed views can also contribute to pedestrian accidents despite having rules for school zone safety.

Inadequate Infrastructure: 

Poorly designed or maintained infrastructure can also contribute to pedestrian accidents in school zones. For example, poorly marked crosswalks or inadequate lighting can improve the school zone safety terms even if it is difficult for drivers to see pedestrians.

Lack Of Awareness: 

Drivers who are not familiar with school zones may not be aware of the specific rules and regulations that apply to these areas, leading to accidents.

Unsafe Driving Behavior: 

Unsafe driving behaviors, such as tailgating, abrupt lane changes, or failing to signal, can also contribute to pedestrian accidents in school zones.

It’s important for drivers to be aware of these common reasons of pedestrian accidents in school zones. Take steps to prevent them. By driving safely, obeying traffic laws, and remaining attentive and alert, drivers can help prevent accidents and keep children safe. 

How To Stay Safe In School Zones?

Now get back to school safety! Staying safe and avoiding pedestrian accidents in school zones doesn’t have to be difficult. Even if you’re traveling alone, you can stay safe by obeying traffic laws and following the school zone safety rules of pedestrian safety. 

Always use a crosswalk when crossing the street. School zones often have clearly designated crosswalks, so make sure to use them at all times. Wait for a signal, and look both ways before crossing the street. 

If there is no signal or crosswalk, use extreme caution when crossing the street and make sure vehicles have stopped completely before proceeding.

If other pedestrians are using the crosswalk, wait until they finish and allow them to exit before you enter. If a crossing guard is present, follow their directions. 

Make sure children are aware of and follow the rules of pedestrian safety and have received instruction in pedestrian school zone safety. If a child has a disability that restricts his or her ability to cross the street, have a family member or friend assist the child when crossing the road. 

How Are School Zone Accidents Different From Any Regular Accidents?

School zone accidents differ from regular school zone safety accidents in several ways:

Higher Likelihood Of Involving Children: 

School zones are designed to protect children, and therefore, accidents in school zones are more likely to involve children than regular pedestrian accidents.

Different Hours Of Operation: 

The school zone safety is typically active during specific hours, usually during school drop-off and pick-up times, which can create traffic congestion and increase the likelihood of accidents.

Specific Traffic Laws: 

School zones have specific traffic laws, such as lower speed limits and school zone signs, that are not present in regular pedestrian areas.

More Attention To Safety: 

Drivers are more likely to be aware of their surroundings and practice safe driving habits in school zones, as they are often more heavily enforced by police.

Different Types Of Hazards: 

The school zone safety may have hazards that are not present in regular pedestrian areas, such as crossing guards, school buses, or children playing in the area.

Accidents in school zones tend to be more dangerous due to the higher likelihood of children being involved and the potential for more severe injuries. 

It’s important for drivers and pedestrians to be especially cautious and follow all safety measures in school zones to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of everyone in the area. 

How do personal Injury lawyers help in Pedestrian Accidents Involving Children?

Personal injury lawyers are crucial in pedestrian accidents involving children. There are no few cases of child pedestrians who come under the school zone safety terms that can be proceeded against by a parent or guardian who is negligent in the care of the child. 

If a serious injury is caused to an innocent person, personal injury lawyers will take care of that person by pursuing compensation for the victim. 

The compensation will help the victim pay for medical bills and to recover from permanent injuries that can be caused by a pedestrian accident. 

If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, it is advisable that you contact a personal injury lawyer who will help you to get compensation for your injuries. 

In Conclusion:

Pedestrian safety in school zones is crucial for the protection of children and other pedestrians. Drivers, pedestrians, and school administrators should take steps to promote safety in school zones, such as following traffic laws, using designated crosswalks, staying alert, and practicing safe driving habits. By working together and prioritizing safety, we can help prevent accidents in school zones and keep our communities safe with school zone safety.

Read Also:

• Essential Safety Strategies For Truck Drivers After A Truck Accident
• Top 5 Health And Safety Areas For Long-Term Business Success
• 3 Steps To Stair Safety In The Office