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Distracted Drivers Could Pose Threat to Kids in School Zones

Goldstein Heslop Steele Clapper Oswalt & Smith Dec. 12, 2021

As you and most other Pennsylvania drivers know, distracted driving is a serious issue that puts everyone on the road in danger. Unfortunately, distracted driving accidents can easily have pedestrians as victims, and some of those victims may be children getting on or off the school bus.

Though state laws require drivers to stop their vehicles when a bus has its lights flashing and stop sign out, distracted drivers may not realize that a bus has stopped or otherwise disregard this part of the law. If your child is getting on or off the bus at the bus stop near your home or in a school zone, he or she could be in danger of suffering injuries due to a distracted driver.

Safety Tips

Because you certainly do not want this type of harrowing situation to befall your child, you may want to implement the following safety rules with your child to help keep getting on and off the bus a safe affair:

  • As the parent, make sure that you and your child are ready to meet the bus at least five minutes early. This action will prevent rushing or running toward the bus, which can be unsafe.

  • Make sure your child understands that he or she should always wait until the bus has come to a complete stop and the door has opened before walking toward the bus.

  • Ensure that your child stays at least six feet away from the bus as it approaches.

  • If other children are at the same bus stop, make sure that they do not roughhouse. Pushing and shoving could easily cause a tragic accident if a child falls into the road.

Numerous other safety tips and lessons could help your child understand the importance of school bus safety.

Distracted Drivers

Unfortunately, you cannot control the actions of other drivers, and if they are distracted, your child could still end up hurt even if he or she follows all the safety rules. One study that looked into distracted driving in school zones found that distraction affected one out of every six drivers. That number makes it highly possible for a serious accident to occur in a school zone.

If your child does suffer serious injuries due to a distracted driver in a school zone or at a bus stop, you may want to consider your legal options. This type of incident could warrant a personal injury claim.