Parents should know that Chicago school zone accidents, especially those involving children, are a significant concern. These areas, often near schools or parks, see increased pedestrian traffic and have reduced speed limits during school hours. While the city aims to improve safety and enforce these limits, accidents still occur. So, why do car accidents spike near Chicago public schools?
If you or your child has been injured in a school zone accident, contact Lloyd Miller Law Group at (773) 838-8100 to hold the negligent party accountable and seek compensation for your losses.
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What Causes the Rise in Car Accidents Near Chicago Public Schools?
Several elements contribute to the increased likelihood of accidents near public schools in Chicago. Common reasons for these incidents in school zones include:
- Haste: Parents and high school students driving may be eager to get where they need to go. Parents could be racing to drop off their child and make it to work on time, while teens might be trying to arrive at school before the bell rings. This urgency can lead to risky behaviors like speeding or not stopping for recently turned red lights.
- Driver Exhaustion: Many individuals are not functioning at their best early in the morning when students are arriving at school. Parents and teens alike might be feeling groggy after just waking up, increasing the chance of mistakes that could lead to accidents.
- Insufficient Traffic Management: Effective management of traffic patterns around schools is essential. When there are complex or busy intersections without appropriate guidance, the risk of accidents can rise.
- Lack of Experience: A number of high school students drive themselves to school, but many of them are still relatively inexperienced behind the wheel, which can impact their decision-making abilities on the road.
- Child Behavior: Young pedestrians don’t always adhere to the rules, prompting sudden and unpredictable movements. Drivers need to remain particularly alert and ready to stop at a moment’s notice.
- Limited Visibility: School zones can be crowded with parked cars, buses, and children, which may block drivers’ views and make it challenging to see kids trying to cross the street.
School Zone Traffic Risks Every Chicago Parent Should Watch For
Parents in Chicago should be conscious of the increased number of pedestrians in school zones, particularly during drop-off and pick-up times, and associated risks. By paying attention, parents can avoid or lessen these risks. Dangers may arise from both pedestrians and drivers.
Pedestrian Risks
Safe Kids carried out an observational study involving 34,000 middle and high school students in school zones. The findings revealed that five teen pedestrians lose their lives in these areas each week. Between 2013 and 2016, there was a 13% rise in pedestrian fatalities among those aged 12 to 19. In 2015, teens aged 15 to 19 accounted for about half of all pedestrian deaths. It’s important for parents to be aware of risky behaviors exhibited by pedestrians:
Pedestrian Distraction
Distractions can affect school children as they walk, such as texting, using headphones, or talking with friends. These distractions reduce their awareness and ability to react to dangers. Research shows that 1 in 6 middle schoolers and 1 in 4 high schoolers reported walking while distracted. Among these distractions, 44% of teens wore headphones, and 31% were on their phones. Distracted walkers are at greater risk of stepping into traffic, tripping over obstacles, or colliding with others in crowded areas.
Crossing at Non-Designated Areas
Students often cross streets in unsafe ways, such as jaywalking or using non-designated areas. This behavior reduces their visibility to drivers and raises the risk of accidents. Designated crosswalks, typically equipped with signals, offer a safer option by giving drivers time to stop. Findings showed 80% of students cross unsafely. However, 56% of middle schools lack traffic signals, and marked crosswalks are absent at 30% of schools. Additionally, crossing guards are present at only 30% of middle schools and 10% of high schools. Often, students jaywalk to save time, catching drivers off guard and increasing the risk of collisions.
Unpredictable Behavior
In areas surrounding schools, the unpredictable actions of young students can pose safety hazards for both drivers and pedestrians. Children might suddenly run into the street without paying attention, get distracted easily, or lack sufficient awareness of road safety. This concern is particularly relevant in areas with a high number of young kids, as they often have not fully developed their understanding of road safety. Their impulsivity makes it difficult for them to accurately assess the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles.
Risks Caused by Drivers’ Unsafe Drop Off and Pick Up Behavior
Accidents in these locations often stem from factors such as excessive speed, distractions while driving, neglecting to give way to pedestrians or school buses, and illegal overtaking. In school zones, driver behavior is generally seen as a greater danger for younger children, as they tend to lack the skills necessary to accurately assess when it is safe to cross the road.
Distraction
Over 10% of drivers are distracted by mobile devices in school drop-off and pick-up zones. The most common distraction is talking on the phone. Additionally, 3% of drivers use multiple devices simultaneously, like texting while wearing headphones, which heightens crash risk by diverting attention from the road.
Traffic Law Violations
Many drivers ignore speed limits and traffic rules in school zones. These laws require yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks and to stopped school buses. Passing is also not allowed. Nearly 1 in 3 drivers exhibited unsafe behaviors during drop-offs or pick-ups. A 2024 AAA survey found that 61% of Illinois drivers enter school zones regularly, with 39% admitting to speeding and 30% using handheld devices while driving. School zones can be dangerous due to heavy bus and foot traffic, especially with children involved. Disregarding safety measures puts kids at risk.
When to Involve a Car Accident Lawyer After a School Zone Crash
If you experience a car accident in a school zone in Illinois, it’s recommended to enlist the help of a car accident lawyer in Chicago, especially when serious injuries are involved, fault is unclear, or the other driver lacks insurance. These incidents can lead to severe physical harm and can disrupt your family’s financial stability due to mounting medical expenses. As you focus on your child’s healing, it’s crucial to address the legal matters that arise.
School zone accidents often present complex liability challenges. While negligent or reckless drivers are frequently at fault, the city or school district could also share responsibility based on the situation. There may be questions such as: when should I contact the police after a car accident? Who investigates car accidents? And who pays for medical bills after a car accident?
A personal injury attorney in Chicago can answer these questions and support you and your family during this difficult time. A school zone accident lawyer can:
- Investigate what led to the accident
- Determine who is liable
- Facilitate communication with the insurance company
- Gather and protect essential evidence
- Negotiate on your family’s behalf
- Prepare your case for court if needed
Having an attorney on your side can help you navigate the legal process, compile necessary evidence, and safeguard your rights. Even if you possess insurance, consulting with a lawyer can clarify your options and help ensure you receive fair compensation. Contact us at Lloyd Miller Law Group to assist with your school zone accident claim.
