Car Accident Lawyer
When school’s in session, you shouldn’t just slow down in a school zone. Kids are unpredictable. They may dart across the street or pop out between cars. You have to keep your eyes on the road and your mind on driving when you’re in a school zone. Here are some safety tips to remember when the kids go back to school.
Reduce Your Speed in a School Zone
Be aware of school zones in your community. When in an unfamiliar neighborhood, pay attention for road signs that indicate you’re in a school zone. Reduce your speed to the posted limit (or even slower if kids are present) so that you don’t have to slam your brakes on at the last minute.
Respect the Crossing Guard
Pedestrians have the right of way. Sleepy, small children may not be paying attention to the road. It’s up to you to be aware of kids. Crossing guards are there to protect children at intersections where there is the most risk. If the crossing guard is in the street, assume that children are close. Don’t block crosswalks if a crossing guard isn’t present.
Don’t Use Your Cell Phone
In some cities, it’s illegal to use a cell phone in a school zone. Even if your community hasn’t addressed it, drive safe. Put your cell phone down in the school zone. Don’t even use it hands free. Wait until you’re through the zone. Watch for other distractions, too. Don’t eat or drink. Limit talking to passengers.
Look Out for Buses
Whether you’re in a school zone or not, you should always yield the right of way to buses. Watch for the stop sign on the side of the bus. When deployed, do not pass the bus. Watch for kids in the morning who might be waiting for the bus. You may want to refresh your knowledge about the rules for driving around school buses.
Breaking School traffic Laws Has Serious Consequences
In most places, if you speed through a school zone, you’ll probably get higher fines and fees. In some cities, it’s triple the cost of normal times. You do not want to get a traffic ticket for violating traffic laws in a school zone. More importantly, the life of a child is precious. You do not want to be responsible for hurting an innocent youngster on his or her way to school.
Slow down and pay attention to your driving in a school zone. If you or your child has been injured in a school zone accident, contact an auto accident lawyer in Trenton, NJ for an assessment of your claim.
Thanks to Davis & Brusca for their insight into personal injury claims and school zone safety for drivers.