Buses And Back-To-School Related Car Accidents In Washington State
As summer winds down, Washington State parents are getting ready to send children back to school. In addition to ensuring they have clothes, books, and other supplies they need, transportation arrangements are a common topic that needs to be addressed.
Some parents opt to either drive their children or have them bike or walk to school, considering it more convenient and safer than relying on buses. However, this can actually increase accident risks. Our Issaquah auto accident attorney shares more about potential hazards and how to keep children safe during the coming school year.
Car Accidents Pose Risks To Students In Washington State
The first day of school for students in Washington State typically ranges from late August to mid-September. Regardless of your child’s age or the district they attend, arranging for transportation is an issue. Many parents are reluctant to rely on school buses. Aside from needing to accommodate their own busy schedules, they may have concerns about their child’s safety.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises that millions of children throughout the United States safely take buses to school every day. In fact, the NHTSA claims it is one of the safest ways to travel. While motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death among children, school bus-related accidents account for only one percent. Ways in which injuries are far more likely to happen include:
- When walking to school: A lack of sidewalks, crosswalks, and the reckless behavior of drivers can make walking treacherous for students.
- When biking to classes: Bikes provide a convenient form of transportation for children, but going to and from school while sharing the road with cars and buses poses serious hazards.
- When getting a ride from parents: Driving children to school and sharing carpooling duties with other parents may seem safer than other options, but it actually puts your child at increased risk.
Back-To-School Transportation Safety Tips To Prevent Injuries
The National Safety Council (NSC) encourages parents to carefully consider how their children get to and from school. They offer these tips to help reduce car accident risks:
- If they walk: Review their route in advance, look for sidewalks and traffic signals, and remind them to always use designated crosswalks at intersections.
- If they bike: Make sure your child’s bike is well-maintained, insist on a helmet, look for bike lanes, and avoid routes with heavy traffic.
- If you drive them to school: Avoid speeding and allow plenty of time to reach the school. Follow all posted instructions, use designated drop-off and pick-up lanes, and be alert for children walking, biking, or otherwise in the road.
Reach Out To Our Issaquah Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents in Washington State pose serious risks to children heading back to school. To hold at-fault drivers accountable when your child is hurt, reach out to Injury Law Group NW. Call or contact us online and request a consultation with our experienced Issaquah car accident attorney today.
Sources:
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety
nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/school-safety/school-safety-home
