Back-to-School and Traffic Safety: What Every Family Needs to Know

By Joshua Johnson • 09/09/2025

The back-to-school season brings renewed excitement—and plenty of traffic. Parents are adjusting to early mornings, buses are making frequent stops, and children are walking or biking to school again. But amid all the hustle, August also marks National Traffic Awareness Month—a timely reminder to slow down and stay alert.

Whether you’re behind the wheel or walking a child to class, understanding and following these school traffic safety tips can help prevent accidents—and save lives. And if you or your child are injured due to another’s negligence, one of our skilled personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety: Be Aware of the Youngest Road Users

During this time, neighborhoods are full of students walking and biking to school. Sadly, children are among the most vulnerable pedestrians, especially when drivers are distracted or speeding.

How to Reduce Risk:

Drive slowly and stay alert in residential areas and near school zones.
Teach children to use crosswalks and avoid distractions like phones.
Make sure kids who bike wear properly fitted helmets.
Remind them to look both ways and obey traffic signals.

Even a low-speed impact can cause serious injury. If a driver hits a child walking or biking, speak to one of our skilled personal injury lawyers immediately to evaluate your case.

School Bus Laws: Know When to Stop

School buses are back on the roads, and drivers must remember the rules:

STOP when a school bus displays a stop sign and flashing red lights.
This applies to vehicles approaching from both directions on two-lane roads.
On divided highways, only the traffic behind the bus is required to stop.

Failing to follow these laws is more than just dangerous—it’s illegal. Children boarding or exiting buses are at risk of being hit, especially if drivers ignore stop signs.

Tackling Congested School Zones and Parking Lots

Drop-off and pick-up times can turn even the most organized parent into a frazzled driver. School zones are often chaotic, especially during the first few weeks of the year.

Safety Tips for Navigating the Madness:

Leave early to avoid rushing through busy zones.
Watch for crossing guards and always follow their directions.
Never block crosswalks or double park.
Avoid distracted driving—law prohibits texting while driving, especially in school zones.

Injured in a parking lot or school zone? Knowing what to do after a school zone accident is critical. Contacting a local attorney can help you take the right steps toward recovery and accountability.

Share the Road with Student Drivers

Back-to-school season also means more student drivers behind the wheel. While many are cautious, some are still developing essential driving habits. Experienced drivers can make a difference by:

Giving student drivers extra space and time to react
Refraining from tailgating or aggressive driving
Being patient and encouraging safe driving behavior

If you’re involved in an accident with a student driver, liability can get complicated—especially if the car belongs to a parent or guardian. One of our skilled personal injury lawyers can help navigate your next steps.

A Safer School Year Starts With You

Whether you’re a parent, student, or commuter, traffic safety during the school year is a shared responsibility. Practicing patience, eliminating distractions, and staying aware can prevent tragedies and protect our community.

If you or your child are injured due to another driver’s negligence, don’t wait. One of our qualified personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights, file a claim, and recover the compensation you deserve.

Injured in a school zone or on your child’s commute?

The legal team at J Johnson Law Firm is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you protect what matters most.

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