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A Look at San Diego’s Most Dangerous School Zones

| Feb 8, 2017 | Bicycle Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents

As a parent, you want to believe that your child will be safe while walking, bicycling, or riding to school. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Drivers do not always follow the rules, and there are even instances of people driving through school zones while intoxicated. Parents should understand their child’s risk of a pedestrian accident, as well as how to mitigate it. Most of all, they should know how to pursue compensation, should their child ever be injured.

Most Dangerous School Zones in San Diego

In a recent study, researchers examined the total number of accidents that occurred within a half mile of all school zones in California. Since children often bike or walk to school, accidents involving bicycles and pedestrians were weighed heavier than those involving other motor vehicles. San Diego County had three school zone areas that were especially concerning – Urban Discovery Academy, Central Elementary near University Avenue, and Euclid Elementary in City Heights.

Mitigating the Risk for Children

Regardless of where your children go to school, it is important to do all you can to keep them safe. What, exactly, does that entail? Experts have a few suggestions:

  • Never let children under the age of 10 walk or bike to school without an adult;

  • Keep children on a designated school route;

  • Limit the number of street crossings your child has to make;

  • Teach your child to cross only at marked and designated crosswalks;

  • Encourage children to travel to school in groups;

  • Dress children in brightly colored clothing whenever possible; and

  • Teach children to look before crossing, even if the sign says it is safe to cross.

Further, parents could consider simply driving their children to school (perhaps employing the use of a carpool with another trusted parent if a daily drop-off or pick-up is difficult because of schedules). Alternatively, students who ride the bus to and from school are typically less likely to be involved in an accident. Of course, you would still need to teach your child about crossing the street safely, particularly if the bus stop is not right in front of your home, but it could help to mitigate their risk of an accident.

Pursuing Compensation for an Injury

If your child is injured on their way to or from school, your family could be placed at serious risk for financial devastation. Not only is your child’s injury likely to result in expensive medical bills and time away from school, you could miss work to care for them and ensure they make it to their appointments and therapies. Fight back and get the compensation you deserve. Contact the experienced San Diego personal injury lawyers at Martinez & Schill, LLP and schedule a consultation today.

Source:

http://www.cbs8.com/story/34423387/study-ranks-san-diegos-most-dangerous-school-zones

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