Distracted driving is a common hazard in school zones and puts children at risk of serious injuries in pedestrian accidents.
School zones are busy places, particularly in the fall. As classes resume, children can be found congregating on sidewalks, getting off buses, and walking or biking to class. For parents and other motorists, it is important to be on high alert when driving through these areas. Children are known to suddenly step off of sidewalks, cross between intersections, or otherwise dart into traffic. If you are distracted while driving, it increases the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening pedestrian injuries. Make yourself and others aware of distracted driving dangers and avoid this type of behavior in school zones or anytime you are behind the wheel.
Why Distracted Driving is So Dangerous
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents and injuries. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as nine people are killed each day in distracted driving accidents, while more than 1,000 others suffer serious injuries. These types of crashes are particularly common in school zones, putting children at risk.
Operating a vehicle is a complex task that requires your full attention. When you focus on matters other than driving, it decreases the amount of time you have to react to sudden changes, increasing the likelihood of a crash. The CDC reports there are three main types of driver distractions:
● Visual distractions, which cause you to take your eyes off the road;
● Manual distractions, which cause you to take your hands off the wheel;
● Cognitive distractions, which cause your mind to wander from the important task of driving.
Distracted Driving Accidents in School Zones
Most of us live busy lives and have become accustomed to multi-tasking, with the goal of making the most of any spare time we do have. Unfortunately, attempting to do this while behind the wheel can prove disastrous. This is particularly true in school zones, which are a hub of activity particularly during pick-up and drop off times.
Safe Kids issued a report on distracted driving in school zones. They found that if you are traveling at 30 miles per hour, you would need at least 30 feet to stop if a child steps out in traffic. If you are distracted from the road for even a few seconds, the amount of space needed to avoid hitting the child is nearly 10 times this amount. Among the most common culprits in distracted driving accidents that occur in school zones include:
● Making calls on cell phones;
● Sending and receiving texts or emails;
● Eating fast food, drinking coffee, or smoking while driving;
● Reaching behind you to grab items or looking too far ahead.
Contact Our Edinburg, TX Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
At the Law Office of Raúl A. Guajardo, P.L.L.C., protecting our children is a top priority. When accidents happen, we help you hold reckless drivers accountable. Call or contact our Edinburg, TX DUI car and pedestrian accident attorney online to schedule a consultation today.