Back to School — Back to Accidents!

Woodland Hills personal injury lawyer Barry P. Goldberg has noticed a shift. Within about a week, kids and their families have gone from playing around the pool and enjoying popsicles to getting in the car and either preparing for the school year or actually starting “Back to School!” With this change in ritual, comes more and more automobile accidents, auto v. pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents.

While we are certain that there exists statistical data to back up this phenomenon, even the most casual observer can see tons of stressed out moms running to stores to buy clothes and school supplies. In addition, the traffic patterns change as kids are actually returning to school—and for the first time in 3 months—they are late. Further, kids have grown a year. So, maybe they are finally old enough to walk or ride a bike to school.

Perhaps the scariest change is that this time of year teen drivers flood the roads. Not only is this bunch new to driving, they are far too easily distracted by cell phone devices, pretty girls walking by and an obvious lack of judgment. I would think twice about going through a yellow light or making a left turn this time of year! According to the insurance statistics, new drivers have a 100% loss rate. Meaning statistically every young driver will get in some form of an accident in the first year! For every good young driver that does not get in an accident, their classmate gets into two accidents!

What can be done? Nothing new here. Slow down. Be careful. Stay off your cell phone. Assume that a teen driver will either run a red light or make an unsafe left turn. Teach your kids walking or riding a bike to school to be extra cautious and understand the traffic risks associated with their routes and neighborhoods. Finally, parents please impose strict driving guidelines to your teen.

If you or a family member is injured in a “back to school” accident, consult with an experienced personal injury trial attorney who understands your neighborhood and can get you quickly back on the road and safely back to school.