Back-to-school season means busier roads and crowded school zones. While this time of year is exciting for children, it also comes with heightened risks. Auto accidents involving children can cause devastating and life-changing injuries and when a negligent driver is at fault, they must be held accountable.
At Hillstone Law, we know how traumatic it can be when a child is injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident. That’s why we encourage families to talk about traffic safety with their kids before the school year begins.
Why School Zones Are So Dangerous
School zones are some of the most congested areas during the mornings and afternoons. Between school buses, hurried parents, and hundreds of children walking or biking, the risk of an accident is high.
Children are especially vulnerable because:
- They lack years of road experience and don’t always know who has the right of way.
- They may act impulsively, darting into the street without warning.
- They are smaller and harder for drivers to see, especially near buses or parked cars.
Parents should teach children basic safety rules, such as always looking both ways, using crosswalks, and making eye contact with drivers before crossing.
Safety Tips for Drivers in School Zones
The National Safety Council offers clear guidelines for protecting children in and around school zones:
- Never block crosswalks while waiting at a light or turn.
- Stop and yield to pedestrians when flashers are blinking in school zones.
- Always stop for school patrol officers and crossing guards.
- Be alert for children near schools, parks, and residential areas.
- Do not honk or rev your engine at children, even if you have the right of way.
- Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
- Stay back from school buses the 10 feet around them is the most dangerous zone for children.
- Exercise extreme caution at all times, as kids can be unpredictable.
Sharing the Road with Bicyclists
Drivers must also be mindful of children riding bikes near schools and neighborhoods:
- Leave at least three feet of space when passing a bicyclist.
- When turning left, wait for bicyclists approaching from the opposite direction.
- When turning right, allow bicyclists coming up from behind to pass through first.
- Watch for children riding out from driveways or behind parked cars.
- Check mirrors before opening doors near bike lanes.
Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable
Drivers have a legal duty to use extra caution in school zones. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Educational support costs (like tutoring if a child misses school)
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Pain and suffering
Because children may not fully express their pain, insurance companies often try to minimize these damages. Having an experienced attorney is critical to ensure your child receives fair compensation.
Hillstone Law Protects California Families
If your child was injured in a pedestrian, bus, or bicycle accident, don’t take on the insurance companies alone. The experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at Hillstone Law are here to fight for your family’s rights and secure the compensation your child deserves.
