It is time for students to return to school in Orleans Parish. Back to school means more students will be on the roads as bus and car passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. It is up to everyone, not just parents, teachers, and police officers, to ensure that children are safe traveling to and from school. Therefore, it is a good time to review back to school safety tips to decrease the risk of accidents during the 2017-2018 school year.
Children and Traffic Accidents
According to the NHTSA, approximately 178,000 children were injured in traffic-related accidents during 2015. Injuries increased by six percent from 2014. The traffic-related fatalities for children also increased in 2015. The number of children killed in traffic-related accidents increased by four percent in 2015 to 1,132 children. Even one child injured or killed is one too many. Therefore, everyone should know and practice the following safety tips for school zones and other areas where children may gather.
School Zone and Playground Area Safety Tips
- Always slow down when approaching a school zone or playground area.
- Obey all speed limits in areas where children may be present.
- Always be alert when driving through neighborhoods, near playgrounds, or in school zones. Children will dart out into traffic in a second, so you must be alert always.
- Never pass another vehicle or perform a U-Turn in a school zone.
- Always stop for buses loading and unloading children. Never pass a stopped school bus.
- Watch for children darting into the road as a bus approaches.
- Slow down when approaching a school crossing and always obey instructions given by crossing guards.
- When dropping children off at school, obey the signs and traffic directions for loading and unloading children.
- Watch for bicyclists and pedestrians on their way to school, especially near intersections and crosswalks.
- Be aware that children often play at or near bus stops while waiting for the bus. Slow down when you approach a bus stop, even if a bus is not present, and watch for children who may run or fall into the roadway.
- When driving near playgrounds, watch for children chasing balls and other objects into the road. Always slow down near playgrounds and parks.
For more back to school safety tips, visit the websites for Safe Kids, National Safety Council, Red Cross, and AAA Exchange.
New Orleans Traffic Accident Attorneys
Our NoLA personal injury lawyers are committed to fighting for justice for your child if he or she is injured by a careless or negligent driver. Your child may be able to recover compensation for his or her pain and suffering, permanent disability, scarring, and other damages. In addition, you may also be able to recover damages for the medical expenses, your lost wages, and other financial losses associated with the injury.
If a negligent driver has injured your child, call Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm for a free consultation. Because we accept cases on a contingency fee basis, you do not pay our attorney fees until we recover money for your claim. Call our office at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free consultation with a New Orleans accident attorney.