As summer winds down and the new school year begins, Las Vegas roads undergo a significant transformation. The once quiet streets are now bustling with activity with school buses, new teen drivers, and parents rushing to get their children to school. This abrupt change in traffic patterns and daily routines can lead to distracted driving car accidents. The Las Vegas car accident lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys explain back to school distracted driving caused to help you and your family stay safe.
Increased Congestion and Traffic Leads to Accidents
One of the most immediate effects of the new school year is the dramatic increase in traffic congestion, particularly around larger Clark County schools, such as Nevada Learning Academy and Sig Rogich Middle School. During morning drop-offs and afternoon pickups, roads can become chaotic and drivers may be in a hurry. This combination can lead to impatience and a higher risk of distracted driving.
A quick glance at a phone, a moment spent looking at Apple CarPlay, or reaching for a fallen item can be all it takes for a crash to occur. The presence of more pedestrians, especially young children who may dart into the street unexpectedly, makes driver focus more critical than ever.
Teen Drivers and Back to School Distracted Driving
The return to school also means more teen drivers are on the road. Younger drivers, such as those that attend Arbor View High School and Coronado High School, with limited road experience are at a higher risk for Las Vegas car accidents than adults. Studies have shown that teen drivers are more prone to distracted driving, often engaging with their phones or talking to passengers.
The start of the school year, with the social pressures and new schedules, can exacerbate this issue. For many teens, their car becomes an extension of their social life. A quick text or a social media update while driving can lead to a tragic car accident. It is crucial for parents and educators to remind young drivers of the severe consequences of back to school distracted driving and to encourage safe driving habits.
Parents and Back to School Distracted Driving
While much of the focus is on teen drivers, parents themselves are a major source of back to school distracted driving. The stress of the new school year can be immense. Parents may be juggling multiple children and trying to remember school drop-off procedures–all while running late for work.
Unfortunately, these factors can lead to a momentary lapse in judgment. Answering a phone call from the office, looking at a navigation app, or handing a child a snack can cause a catastrophic accident. The very act of getting children to school safely can be compromised by the distractions that come with it.
New Routines and Traffic Patterns Lead to Distraction
After a long, relaxed summer, many drivers get out of the habit of being vigilant in school zones. This shift in routine is a key factor in the increase of back to school distracted driving. Familiar paths are now filled with school buses stopping frequently, children on bikes, and crossing guards. Drivers who are not mentally prepared for these changes are more likely to be distracted. Ignoring flashing school zone lights or failing to stop for a stopped bus are dangerous oversights that can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
The Las Vegas automobile crash lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys understand the challenges of a new school year and work hard to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. If you or a member of your family were injured in a back-to-school accident, ER Injury Attorneys is here to help you.
Contact a Las Vegas School Accident Lawyer
The Las Vegas injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys hope that you found this back to school distracted driving blog useful. Please share it with the parents and high school drivers that you know to help keep everyone safe. Sadly, some accidents happen no matter how safe you’re being. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party then contact us for immediate assistance.
ER Injury Attorneys is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at 702-878-7878 and online through LiveChat or secure contact form. Our accomplished Nevada injury lawyers have recovered top settlements for clients in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, Laughlin, and other areas of Southern Nevada. Reach out to us today and you’ll quickly learn why we are one of the most trusted personal injury firms in Clark County.