Back to School: A Critical Time to Prioritize Driver Awareness and Safety
As students return to school, neighborhoods become more active with young walkers, bus riders, and bikers making their way to and from class. This time of year is a crucial reminder: keeping children safe is a shared responsibility - and drivers play a leading role.
Whether you're commuting through a school zone or a residential street, small decisions behind the wheel can have life-saving impacts.
What the Numbers Tell Us
Over 25,000 children are injured annually in school-zone traffic incidents.
More than 1 in 3 children killed in school transportation-related crashes are pedestrians.
The highest number of crashes involving school-age pedestrians happens between 7-9 AM and 2–5 PM - typical school travel times.
Research shows that about 1 in 3 drivers are distracted in school zones.
These statistics are not just numbers; they reflect preventable tragedies that happen when we fail to prioritize the safety of our most vulnerable road users.
Infrastructure Matters
We often ask kids to be hyper-aware, cross at the “right” spots, wear bright clothes, or avoid distractions, but most streets aren’t designed with their safety in mind.
Many school zones lack sidewalks or crossing guards.
Some have speed limits far too high for pedestrian safety.
Street design, not individual behavior, is the root issue.
While we continue to advocate for better infrastructure, drivers must do their part to reduce risk right now. Your actions - like slowing down and staying alert - are critical tools in preventing harm.
Until our streets are built for people - not just cars - it’s on drivers to go above and beyond to protect the most vulnerable.
What Drivers Can Do to Keep Kids Safe
✅Slow Down in School Zones and Neighborhoods
Driving even a few miles per hour over the limit significantly increases the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash.
A pedestrian hit at 20 mph has a 90% chance of surviving.
At 40 mph, that drops to just 10%.
In areas where children are likely to be walking or biking, slower is always safer.
✅ Stay Focused and Alert
Avoid distractions like texting, calls, or multitasking. Children can be unpredictable - especially around buses, crosswalks, and parked cars. Giving the road your full attention ensures you’re ready to react when needed.
✅ Follow All Crosswalk and Bus Laws
Never pass a school bus with flashing red lights.
Yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks - even if unmarked.
Obey crossing guard signals and be patient with walkers and bikers.
A Shared Commitment
We all want our communities to be places where kids can walk, bike, and explore safely. That vision starts with a simple shift in how we drive. As the school year begins, let’s recommit to slowing down, yielding to people walking and biking, and being especially mindful in school zones and residential areas.
