Of all the potential dangers we need to be aware of on the roadways, including distracted driving, drunk driving and drowsy driving, among others, one potential danger that we sometimes overlook is changes in traffic patterns. But, in a recent news article, AAA Oklahoma warned drivers that the start of the school year – a very unusual start, to be sure – is just such a time when traffic patterns change and drivers need to be more alert.
According to the recent article, the fact that many students have been out of school for a longer period of time than the average summer vacation also probably means that many of them are very excited to be able to return to school, and to see their friends. In school zones in particular, drivers need to be aware of students crossing the street or riding bikes near roadways and, in general, simply recognize that there are likely to be more pedestrians near the roads.
Auto-pedestrian accidents
Each year there always seems to be tragic incidents in which school buses or student pedestrians are struck by automobiles and, as a result, children are left with serious, life-altering injuries. But, if drivers increase their awareness, as AAA Oklahoma has recommended, perhaps this school year such a tragic event can be avoided.
However, when auto-pedestrian collisions do occur, it is usually the pedestrian who ends up with the worst of the injuries. These victims oftentimes have legal options that they may need to consider in the aftermath of the accident.