Approximately 1.3 million New Jersey students are expected to be traveling to and from school this year. Because auto accidents are the leading cause of death in children of New Jersey, everyone can use a reminder of how to stay safe and keep area children safe from harm.
Gary Poedubicky, Acting Director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, said there was a lot of potential for accidents in schools zones with school buses delivering students, students being dropped off and children on foot. “It is vitally important that motorists be alert and be aware of their surroundings, and that students adhere to pedestrian rules around their school.”
The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety says that one child on foot is struck by a motor vehicle every day in the state of New Jersey. In the last three years, 71 children have been killed in auto accidents, including 21 pedestrians.
Students are often taught how to stay safe by teachers, but where are local motorists getting their refresher courses?
The state Division of Highway Traffic Safety offers these tips for motorists during the school year:
- Do not text and drive. Avoid all distractions while behind the wheel.
- Be patient when waiting for children to cross the road. Wait until they are safely on the other side before resuming your travel.
- Always adhere to lowered speed limits in school zones.
- Be especially cautious of children walking to and from bus stops as they may be prone to dart in front of vehicles.
Accidents will happen, but we can all help to prevent them. Whether you are a parent, a teacher, or simply someone driving in the state of New Jersey, you have a responsibility to keep children safe.
If an accident happens and your child is injured, you could be entitled to compensation for those injuries. The accident attorneys of Ginarte may be able to help.
New Jersey and New York Auto Accident Lawyers
If you or your child has been injured in a car accident, contact our offices today by calling (888) GINARTE for a free consultation.