Back-to-School Traffic in Mesa, AZ: Protecting Kids & Preventing Accidents

As students return to school in Mesa, traffic around schools gets busier and more hectic. Parents dropping kids off, school buses stopping, and even children walking can increase the likelihood of a car accident. If your child was hurt in a school zone related car accident, you need a personal injury firm that knows how to handle these cases.

Skousen Gulbrandsen & Patience PLC has helped many Mesa families after school zone accidents by offering clear advice and strong legal support during difficult times. Our personal injury attorneys are committed to protecting children’s safety and helping parents understand their legal options after an accident.

Why Back-to-School Season Means More Traffic Accidents

With more cars on the road during drop-off and pick-up times, drivers face new traffic patterns, congested streets, and increased pedestrian activity. These changes can make it harder to spot children crossing streets or boarding school buses, especially when drivers are distracted or in a rush. Even a brief distraction can lead to serious accidents involving young kids. Below are some common accidents that occur in school zones.

Car vs. Pedestrian Accidents Near Crosswalks

School zones are among the most dangerous areas where cars and pedestrians share the road, especially near crosswalks. Children crossing streets are at high risk because they may be difficult for drivers to see, and their unpredictable behavior can lead to accidents. 

Even a brief distraction or delayed reaction can result in serious injuries, including fractures, head trauma, or worse.

Distracted Driving in School Zones

Distracted driving such as texting, eating, or using a phone is a leading cause of accidents in school zones. These distractions reduce a driver’s awareness and slow reaction times, increasing the chance of colliding with a child. 

School zone crashes often lead to severe injuries like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and even fatalities.

School Bus-Related Accidents

School bus accidents frequently happen during stops when children are getting on or off. Drivers who ignore flashing red lights or stop-arm signals put children in grave danger. 

These accidents can cause serious injuries ranging from bruises and fractures to head trauma.

Speeding in Neighborhoods

Speeding through residential neighborhoods and school zones greatly increases the risk of accidents involving children. The faster a vehicle travels, the more severe injuries can become, including life-threatening trauma. Proper speed limit enforcement and driver awareness during school hours are essential measures to reduce these risks. Slowing down literally saves lives.

Mesa’s School Zone & Bus Safety Rules

Mesa’s school zones are designed to protect children as they travel to and from school. The laws around school zones exist to prevent accidents and reduce injuries, especially during peak drop-off and pick-up times when traffic is heaviest. 

Some of the key school zone and school bus safety laws in Mesa include:

• Reduced Speed Limits: School zones typically require drivers to slow their speed during designated hours. Violations can result in fines ranging from $250 to $500.
• Stopping for School Buses: Drivers must stop when a school bus has flashing red lights and the stop arm extended. First-time violations can carry a $250 fine, while repeat offenses can reach $1,000 and may include license suspension.
• No Passing in School Zones: Passing other vehicles in active school zones is prohibited, with fines of $150–$500 depending on the violation.
• Pedestrian Right-of-Way: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Failure to do so can lead to fines of $150–$250 and points on your license.

How Parents, Kids, and Drivers Can Stay Safe

Keeping school zones safe in Mesa requires awareness and proactive strategies from drivers, parents, and children alike. By working together, families and drivers help create a safer environment during peak school traffic times.

Some practical safety tips for parents and children include:

• Walking: Always use marked crosswalks and look both ways before crossing streets.
• Biking: Wear helmets, use hand signals, and stay on designated bike paths or sidewalks.
• Riding the Bus: Wait for the bus in a safe area away from traffic and board only when the bus comes to a complete stop.
• General Awareness: Teach children to make eye contact with drivers and to stay alert near driveways, parking lots, and intersections.

Mesa also offers community resources that help make school zones safer, such as crossing guards, traffic calming measures, and public safety campaigns. Local organizations and the police department often provide educational programs for children and parents, emphasizing traffic safety and awareness.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hurt in a Mesa School Zone Accident

When a child is injured in a school zone, families often face confusion and difficult decisions about what to do next. Families often face uncertainties about liability, insurance claims, and the steps necessary to protect their child’s well-being and rights. Working with a dedicated child injury attorney can help when seeking compensation for your child’s injuries.

Steps to Take After an Accident

After a school zone accident, families should consider taking the following steps:

1. Seek immediate medical attention for your child, even if injuries seem minor.
2. Document the scene by taking photos of the area, vehicles, and any visible injuries.
3. Gather information from witnesses, drivers involved, and law enforcement reports.
4. Notify the school and relevant authorities about the incident.
5. Keep records of medical bills, treatment, and related expenses.
6. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to understand your legal options and next steps.

How a Mesa Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

A personal injury attorney will handle all communication with insurance companies, schools, and others involved to reduce your stress and prevent mistakes that could hurt your claim. They will also explain what types of compensation you might receive, such as medical bills, ongoing care, emotional support, and other losses. 

Contact Skousen Gulbrandsen & Patience PLC for Help After a School Zone Accident

If your child has been injured in a Mesa school zone, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. At Skousen Gulbrandsen & Patience PLC, we understand the fear and uncertainty families go through when their child is hurt. By reaching out for a free, confidential consultation, you can get clear answers, support, and guidance from experienced attorneys who will handle the details of your case, so you can focus on your child’s recovery. You deserve justice and peace of mind, and we are ready to stand by your side every step of the way. Contact us today to get started.