As Students Return to School, Let's Keep Them Safe

Every year, it seems summer goes by a little faster. Before we know it, students throughout New Albany, Floyd County, Clark County, and the surrounding Southern Indiana communities are heading back to school.

As a parent, grandparent, and attorney who has represented accident victims for more than 25 years, I know how important it is to keep our children safe. The beginning of the school year is an exciting time, but it also brings increased traffic, school buses, student pedestrians, and teenage drivers to our roadways.

Over the years, I have represented individuals and families whose lives were changed in an instant by a serious accident. Many of those accidents occurred during everyday activities such as driving to school, walking across a parking lot, or waiting for a school bus.

The start of a new school year is a good reminder for all of us to slow down, pay attention, and put safety first.

Watch for School Buses

One of the first signs that school is back in session is seeing yellow school buses throughout our communities.

Drivers often become accustomed to lighter summer traffic and may forget how frequently buses stop to pick up and drop off students.

Every year, children are placed at risk when drivers fail to stop for school buses displaying flashing lights and stop arms. In my experience, many of these incidents are not caused by reckless drivers. They are caused by distracted drivers who simply are not paying attention.

A few seconds of patience can prevent a tragedy.

Slow Down in School Zones

I cannot count the number of accident cases I have handled where excessive speed contributed to a collision.

School zone speed limits exist because children can be unpredictable. Younger students may suddenly enter a crosswalk, step into traffic, or emerge from between parked vehicles.

When driving through school zones in New Albany, Jeffersonville, Clarksville, Floyds Knobs, Georgetown, or elsewhere in Southern Indiana, give yourself extra time and resist the urge to rush.

The few minutes you save by speeding are never worth risking a child's safety.

Put the Phone Away

If there is one trend I have seen increase dramatically during my legal career, it is distracted driving.

Many serious accidents occur because a driver takes their eyes off the road for only a few seconds to read a text message, check social media, or respond to an email.

Unfortunately, a few seconds is often all it takes.

When children are walking to school, crossing streets, riding bicycles, or waiting for buses, drivers need to be fully focused on the roadway.

Watch for Young Drivers

Back-to-school season also means more teenage drivers on the road.

Learning to drive is an important milestone, but young drivers often lack the experience necessary to recognize and respond to dangerous situations.

I encourage parents to use the start of the school year as an opportunity to discuss safe driving habits with their teenagers, including:

• Avoiding distractions
• Wearing seat belts
• Obeying speed limits
• Leaving plenty of following distance
• Never driving while impaired

Good habits developed early can last a lifetime.

Be Extra Careful Near Schools and Parking Lots

Many accidents occur in places where drivers least expect them.

School parking lots, drop-off lines, athletic events, and school-related activities often create congestion and confusion.

Drivers should expect:

• Children crossing unexpectedly
• Sudden stops
• Backing vehicles
• Increased pedestrian traffic

One of the most important lessons I have learned from handling accident cases is that anticipating the unexpected often prevents accidents.

What Should You Do After an Accident?

If you are involved in an accident involving a school zone, school bus, student pedestrian, or school-related traffic, your first priority should always be safety.

Seek medical attention if anyone is injured, contact law enforcement, document the scene, and gather witness information whenever possible.

Many injuries, particularly neck injuries, back injuries, and concussions, may not fully develop until hours or days after the accident. Do not assume you are uninjured simply because you feel okay immediately afterward.

Wishing Southern Indiana Families a Safe School Year

For more than 25 years, I have had the privilege of representing individuals and families throughout Southern Indiana. I have also seen the devastating impact that preventable accidents can have on children and families.

As students return to classrooms across New Albany, Jeffersonville, Floyd County, Clark County, and the surrounding communities, I encourage everyone to slow down, stay alert, and make safety a priority.

From my family to yours, I wish all students, parents, teachers, and school staff a successful and safe school year.

Injured in an Accident?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, pedestrian accident, or school-related traffic collision, I would be happy to discuss your situation and help you understand your legal options.

For more than 25 years, I have represented accident victims throughout Southern Indiana and the Louisville area.

☎ Call 812-590-2213 

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