One of the places where drivers should be at their most vigilant and focused is in school zones. As any driver can attest, driving through school zones, especially during the morning drop-off and afternoon pickup, can be hectic. Between school buses, parent vehicles, and children who are walking, it is easy to see why it is critical for any driver traveling through a school zone to be aware of everything going on around them.
Unfortunately, it appears that distracted driving crashes are on the rise in these areas, putting millions of children at risk every single day. One study found that one in three drivers is engaged in some type of distracted driving behavior as they drive their vehicle through school zones.
School Zone Study
The study was conducted by a California tech company that develops tools for capturing and analyzing driving behaviors. For the study, the company examined 75,000 schools across the country to see how drivers behaved as they drove past them. According to the results, just under 90 percent of drivers used their phones as they drove through school zones.
Researchers also found that at least one-third of drivers engaged in some type of unsafe behavior – including texting – while dropping off or picking up their children. The afternoon pickup – defined as the hours between 2 and 5 p.m. – was 40 percent more dangerous for children than the morning drop-off – defined as the hours between 7 and 10 a.m.
Distracted Driving Dangers
Distractions can take attention away from the driving task and place the driver at an increased risk of crashing. A driver who is using their phone while they are behind the wheel of a vehicle increases their risk of being involved in a crash by 20 times. Glancing at a phone for just a few seconds to read that text message is all it takes to not see that child, who is afraid they are going to be late for school, dart across the street in front of a vehicle.
There are a number of other behaviors that can cause a driver to become distracted, putting children at risk. A study conducted by the University of North Carolina was set up to observe 70 drivers over 10 hours during a one-week period to determine what types of activities drivers engage in behind the wheel. Researchers found that:
- Fifteen percent of driving time was spent engaged in conversation with passengers.
- Five percent of driving time was spent preparing, eating, or spilling food.
- Four percent of driving time was spent reaching or leaning over.
- Two percent of driving time was spent smoking.
- One percent of driving time was spent adjusting music devices.
Call Our Virginia Beach Car Accident Attorney for Legal Assistance
If you or a member of your family has been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, whether through driver error or reckless driving behaviors, contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our Virginia Beach car accident attorneys. Our firm is dedicated to getting our clients the financial compensation they deserve for the injuries they have suffered, which is evident from the more than $100 million in settlements and verdicts we have obtained.