According to recent statistics, more than 100 schoolchildren are injured every single year in accidents that occur inside school zones.
These accidents often involve motorists failing to recognize the child on the road, and the majority of these accidents occur as children are getting on or off of school buses or crossing at intersections near the school. When drivers are speeding, driving recklessly, or driving distracted, serious and sometimes fatal school zone accidents in Arkansas can occur. Our car accident attorneys could help you understand your legal options.
Accidents in school zones in Arkansas can involve many different factors, but the true cause usually comes down to two issues – Distracted or negligent drivers, and distracted walkers.
Some drivers deliberately and negligently choose to ignore the speed restrictions and caution that a school zone requires. These drivers may even see the pedestrian before a collision but not have enough time to react or stop because of their reckless driving.
Distracted drivers are three times more likely to be involved in an accident. This is because distractions like cell phones, texting, eating, and others make it difficult to be aware of details such as speed, signage, and surroundings. A distracted driver may not even realize they are in a school zone, or that they are speeding before they collide with a child pedestrian. Studies have discovered distracted driving to be comparable to or even worse than driving drunk.
Children and pedestrians are more distracted than ever these days. They are even more likely to walk into roads without paying attention when in a school zone. Even children who have been educated about traffic laws can get excited or distracted and step into roads without looking. When a distracted walker n a school zone is combined with a distracted or negligent driver, the result is often a devastating accident.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school zone accidents cause serious injury to many children and teenagers across the country. Here are some of the most notable statistics related to school zone accidents:
Arkansas accidents in school zones often involve children, either as victims or witnesses. Not only does this make the situation more intense and emotional, but there are also important legal implications to consider.
There are some key differences that set school zone accidents apart from other types of accidents. Unlike other car accidents, school zone accidents:
Accidents in school zones often involve children, either as victims or witnesses. Not only does this make the situation more intense and emotional, but there are also important legal implications to consider.
In and around Fort Smith, Arkansas, the city’s Street and Traffic Control Department has been testing the 55 school zone signals throughout the area. According to KSFM 5 News, the tests ensure the flashing lights on school zone traffic signs activate and flash before and after schools are in session.
These traffic signals serve as a warning to drivers to be extra vigilant of others in school zones. Other things you can do to help prevent accidents include:
Reducing your speed can give you and others more time to react in the event an obstacle or person comes into the road. Always obey speed limit signs during school hours and when children are present. This alone can save a life.
Being able to focus and keep your eyes on the road can also help reduce the chances of being involved in a crash. Put your phone away and avoid any distractions that may take your eyes off of the task of driving. Instead, use Bluetooth devices or simply wait until you are far away from the school zone before making any phone calls.
Whether you are walking or driving, always take a moment to glance twice in each direction before entering traffic at an intersection. Be alert for small children walking or who may be riding their bikes.
In Arkansas, a school zone is defined as beginning 300 feet before the school and continuing 300 feet beyond the school. The city should have clearly marked signs to start and finish school zones in the community. While not all school zones are required to have flashing lights, driving laws still apply. Arkansas law states that the speed limit in school zones during school hours and when children are present outside the building should be no more than 25 mph.
Arkansas also enacted a “Fewer Distractions Means Safer Driving Act” to protect children inside school zones from harm. This states that a driver of a moving vehicle is not allowed to use handheld wireless devices while operating the vehicle in the school zone. Texting on a cell phone and driving is illegal everywhere in Arkansas.
When driving near school buses, Arkansas law requires all drivers to stop and wait when a school bus is unloading and loading passengers, even when there are no crossing guards. All drivers on both sides of the road are required to stop until the school bus is no longer displaying its alternating red warning lights.
There is another additional statute in the state pertaining to school zones known as Isaac’s law. This law states that a person commits negligent homicide if they knowingly and illegally pass a school bus that is actively unloading or loading children and they strike and kill a child in the process. This law was named after Isaac Brien who was killed in 2004 after leaving his school bus. This crime is a Class C felony in Arkansas.
You deserve a law firm that knows the ins and outs of Arkansas and Tennessee school traffic laws. The attorneys at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton are experienced, trustworthy, and ready to find justice for any of the following school accident types:
If your child was injured in a school zone accident in Arkansas, our law firm believes in holding them responsible for their crimes and for the harm they’ve caused your child.
With offices throughout Arkansas — Little Rock, Springdale, Conway, Hot Springs, Bryant, Jacksonville, and Jonesboro — our personal injury lawyers are easily accessible when you need help.
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