The first day of school for most kids in Chicago was September 4th. Back-to-school time means a new morning and evening commute for kids and parents. Unfortunately, kids going to and from school, and parents driving kids to school, are some of the more common causes of accidents. Drivers must remain vigilant in school areas to watch for kids on bikes, pedestrians, and school buses picking up and dropping off students.
School Related Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 2006 and 2015, there were 1,172 school-transportation-related fatal traffic accidents, resulting in more than 1,300 deaths. A school-transportation-related crash is one that involves a school bus transporting children to or from school or a school-related activity.
Not surprisingly, the majority of school-age pedestrians are killed between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., and from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. These are also around the hours where the sun is low in the sky and can interfere with a driver’s ability to see. In the morning, drivers may also be tired and distracted.
Bike Accidents and Pedestrian Accidents
Bike accidents and pedestrian accidents are also common in school zones or where children are going to and from school. In many pedestrian or bike accidents, the driver claims the child ran out in the street or turned in front of the car. However, many drivers are looking on their phones, texting, tuning the radio, or looking at vehicle navigation when driving in residential areas, which can increase the risk of an accident.
According to the National Safety Council, sharing the road with bicyclists can be complicated because bikes are often harder to see than cars. When passing a cyclist, drivers should proceed slowly and leave 3 feet between the car and the cyclist. When turning left and a bicyclist is approaching from the opposite direction, drivers should wait for the biker to pass. Before opening doors, check your side mirrors for approaching cyclists.
Parents should take time to make sure their kids understand the rules of the road, to look before crossing, and always wear a helmet when biking or skateboarding. At the same time, drivers should increase road awareness at times when kids are going to and from school and in school zones.
After a Bike or Pedestrian Accident in Illinois
If you are involved in a bike or pedestrian accident or your child was hit by a vehicle on their way to school, seek immediate medical attention. Pedestrian and cyclist injuries can involve neck or back injury, head trauma, or other serious injury. Even if the accident victim appears to be ok, you should consider having a medical professional evaluate the injury.
Aurora, Illinois Personal Injury Attorneys
If you were injured in a bike accident in Aurora or DuPage County, or you were involved in a school-related traffic accident, you need an experienced Illinois personal injury lawyer. But not just any lawyer— you need an injury attorney with a proven track record of success. Contact the Cullotta Bravo Law Group today at 630-898-7800 to schedule your free consultation.
