Back To School Traffic Increases Harrisburg Car Accident Risks

The end of summer heralds the start of another school year. For parents, this means hectic preparations to ensure their children are prepared while also adjusting to new schedules. For local drivers, it means an increase in traffic at certain times of day and more pedestrians and bicyclists on the road.

Unfortunately, this can make car accidents more likely to happen, resulting in potentially severe injuries. Our Harrisburg car accident lawyer explains more about the risks and offers tips to help keep local school children safe.

Harrisburg Car Accident Risks Increase When Students Go Back To School

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), close to 150,000 car accidents are reported throughout the state each year. Children are among the most common victims, and their crash risks typically increase at the start of each new school year.

Students in the Harrisburg School District go back on August 28, 2024. As children and their families get ready for classes to resume and adjust to new schedules, be aware that accidents can happen in any of the following ways:

• Car accidents, common in school zones and when picking up or dropping children off for classes;
• Bicycle accidents, which can happen before or after classes and anywhere near school zones;
• Pedestrian accidents, which are particularly common in city neighborhoods and at intersections without crossing guards;
• School bus accidents, which typically occur due to the reckless behavior of other motorists.

Slow Down As Local Students Return To Classes 

The National Safety Council (NSC) warns drivers to be aware of schools in their local area and that this is the time of year when classes resume. It is important to slow down, pay attention, and take other precautions to reduce crash risks, particularly as children and their parents adjust to their new schedules. To protect yourself and others on the road, follow these tips:

• If you are a parent dropping children off at school, be patient, use designated lanes and dropoff points, and be alert for children or parents standing or walking nearby.
• If you get behind a school bus, keep in mind that you are required to stop and wait during pickups and drop-offs. Make sure all children have cleared before proceeding.
• At local intersections, yield to pedestrians and cyclists and wait until they have completely passed before proceeding.
• When driving anywhere near school zones, avoid speeding and other aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, cutting other drivers off, and failing to yield.

Contact Our Harrisburg Car Accident Lawyer When Injuries Happen 

Despite your precautions, car accidents in Harrisburg can still happen and may leave you or your loved ones suffering potentially severe personal injuries. At Ira H. Weinstock, P.C., we help you hold at-fault drivers accountable and get the total amount of compensation you need to recover in a claim. For trusted, local legal services, call or contact us online and request a consultation with our Harrisburg car accident lawyer today.

Sources:

penndot.pa.gov/TravelInPA/Safety/Documents/2022_CFB_linked.pdf

hbgsd.us/Page/2#calendar1/20240701/month

nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/school-safety/back-to-school-safety-tips-for-drivers