Louisiana Injury Lawyers Blog
With the beginning of the new school year comes several readjustments for adults and students alike. In addition to shifting schedules and routines, we see increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
This congestion of the roads demands special attention and precaution, particularly in school zones. As reported by the Transportation Research Board, over 100 children are killed walking from school annually, where another 25,000 are injured. Because of this, it is imperative that drivers make sure our roads are safe when traveling with such precious passengers.
In order to avoid school zone car accidents, listed below are a handful of safety tips our experienced New Orleans car accident attorney at Cardone Law Firm has compiled throughout the years of serving those injured there.
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Obey the Speed Limit
While this may seem obvious, one of the primary causes of car accidents is speeding. In Louisiana, 20 MPH is the standard speed limit for school zones. While it may be tempting to go a bit faster when you’re in a hurry, the possible repercussions heavily outweigh the benefits.
Not only are school zones heavily surveilled by both cameras and crossing guards, but speeding tickets are costly and timely. According to Fox8, if one is stopped by an officer for speeding, the minimum fine is $342. If caught on camera, the fine begins at $120.
Obeying the speed limit is a simple way to avoid these inconvenient outcomes while, most importantly, keeping our children safe.
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Avoid Distracted Driving
Although reading the newspaper or playing with a Rubik’s Cube is unnecessary while driving and should be avoided, currently the most relevant source of distractions on the road stem from cell phone usage. Texting, taking phone calls, and scrolling social media can all have deadly outcomes when one is trying to operate a vehicle simultaneously.
When distracted by a mobile device, there is a higher likelihood the driver will:
- Experience Impaired judgement
- Speed
- Miss Crossing Guard Cues
- Disobey the Basic Rules of the Road
Cell phones should be placed out of sight and silenced at all times while driving and should only be used in urgent situations once you’ve parked in a designated safe area.
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Be Mindful of Buses and Crossing Guards
This tip is especially essential, whether you’re operating a car, motorcycle, or bicycle. If you are behind a bus and its STOP sign is extended and/or its lights are flashing, do not attempt to pass ahead of it. It is illegal to do so in all 50 states, as it is one of the most common ways that children lose their lives in school zones.
Additionally, respect the crossing guards and their commands. Keep in mind that they are trained and experienced with traffic management and always have your safety in mind.
A Car Accident Attorney You Can Trust
Even with these three tips in mind, sometimes car accidents are unavoidable, and our team is here to help you navigate through any car accident litigation in a delicate and compassionate way. Cliff Cardone of the Cardone Law Firm has a track record of winning millions for his clients, and his gentle guidance will award you the justice you deserve.