School starts back this week in Davidson County and its surrounding areas. That means the return of active school zones, school buses, parents taking their children to school, and students walking to and from school in the mornings and afternoons. It also means an increased risk of car accidents—especially during the first couple of weeks as everyone re-adjusts to the school year schedule.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind during the hectic weeks of August as everyone re-acclimates to the school calendar:
- When present, crossing guards dictate right of way, not traffic lights. When you’re at an intersection with a traffic light and a crossing guard, wait for the crossing guard to wave you through the intersection. Even if you have a green light, you may not have the right of way to enter the intersection if children are walking through it.
- Stop for loading and unloading school buses. When school bus drivers stop to pick up or drop off children, drivers behind them are legally required to stop, too. Many school buses have flashing lights and extendable stop signs to make clear what’s happening and what drivers are expected to do.
- Avoid distractions, especially near schools and in residential areas. You should never drive while distracted, but it’s even more important to avoid distractions when you’re driving in areas where children are present. That means near schools and in residential areas, including your neighborhood or subdivision.
If you or someone you love is injured in a back-to-school or any other type of accident this year, we want to help. Contact the Nashville car accident lawyers at Ponce Law today for a free consultation.
