Schools across Oklahoma are back in session. This means that drivers will need to look out for young pedestrians around school zones. According to The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 55 million children across the United States are headed back to school and 13 percent of them will walk or ride their bike. In order to keep children safe, what can drivers do to avoid a collision in a school zone?
First, it is important that motorists slow down and obey school zone speed limits. AAA reports that pedestrians struck by a car traveling at 25 mph are two-thirds less likely to suffer fatal injuries than someone struck at 35 mph. School zone speed limits are posted for a reason.
Drivers traveling in school zones have it in their best interests to prevent themselves and others from falling victim to distracted driving accidents in Oklahoma. Children commonly attempt to cross the road at unexpected times and locations. Kids can emerge from between parked cars or from the middle of the street where there is no crosswalk. Drivers who are attentive and focused will have a greater chance of avoiding a collision.
Many pedestrian accidents occur at crosswalks and intersections. Drivers can help prevent these types of instances by coming to a complete stop. It is also important to use extreme caution when backing up. Drivers must look for children in their blind spots before slowly backing up. It is also wise to prevent passengers inside the vehicle from blocking your view.
The experienced Oklahoma car accident injury lawyers at the Maples Law Firm provide free consultations at (405) 705-5050 to anyone who has suffered a loss in a pedestrian accident. Please contact us for a no-cost case evaluation.
