Don’t Get an “F” for Driving Distracted in Pennsylvania School Zones

The month of August is full of excitement for both children and parents alike as school gets back in session. But, along with the anticipation of what the new school year will bring, comes the increase in Pennsylvania pedestrian accidents in which school aged children are seriously - or even fatally - injured.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more school-aged pedestrians are killed between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. than any other time of day. The reason for these accidents is not only due to the impulsivity of children who are rushing to get home after school, but is also due to the negligence of drivers who are driving distracted in Pennsylvania school zones and neighborhoods.

In order to decrease the number of school-aged children who are injured in neighborhoods and school zones, the NHTSA is holding a Back to School Safety Campaign during the month of August. As part of this campaign, the Bucks County injury lawyers at Saile & Saile urge drivers to take a look at their driving behaviors and cut out the distractions when they are behind the wheel - especially in areas in which children may be present.

This school year, remember to heed the following recommendations:

Pay attention to your speed; watch out for school zones in which the speed limit will be reduced during school hours.
Drive slowly and cautiously in neighborhoods and school zones.
Take extra time to look for children at intersections or on medians and curbs.
When approaching children, anticipate their actions; always remember to expect the unexpected.
Take caution when entering and exiting alleyways and driveways, as well as when driving across sidewalks.
Slow down and stop for school buses when necessary.
Never allow yourself to be distracted when driving; a phone call is not worth risking the life of a child.

If a child you love has been injured by a distracted driver in Pennsylvania, you need to contact Saile & Saile. A Bucks County car accident attorney in our office is available to speak with you about your child's rights after sustaining a serious injury at the hands of a negligent driver.

For more information, be sure to order a free copy of the leading book on Bucks County auto accident questions, How to Maximize Your Pennsylvania Car Accident Case Before an Insurance Company Takes Advantage of You.