Back-to-School Safety Tips: A Conversation with Attorney Tyler T. Todd

As the school season approaches, it’s crucial to ensure that our children stay safe on their way to and from school. Attorney Tyler T. Todd, managing partner and injury attorney with WeWin Injury Law, joined Good Things Utah to share essential back-to-school safety tips for drivers and parents alike. Here’s a summary of the key points discussed in the interview.

The Importance of Back-to-School Safety

With the start of a new school year, the roads are once again filled with young students, many of whom may not be fully aware of their surroundings. Tyler Todd emphasizes the importance of heightened awareness during this time. The statistics are staggering—there are approximately 700,000 students across Utah heading back to school, which means there’s a significant increase in pedestrian and vehicular traffic during peak hours.

Tips for Drivers: What You Need to Know

1. Observe School Bus Laws

• Stop When the Bus Stops: When a school bus extends its stop sign, you must come to a complete stop. Even if you don’t see children crossing the street, it’s illegal and unsafe to bypass the bus.
• Slow Down in School Zones: Speed limits in residential neighborhoods are typically 25 miles per hour, but they drop to 20 miles per hour in school zones. This decrease is vital for allowing drivers to react to any unexpected movements from children.

2. Pay Attention to Crossing Guards

• Follow Their Signals: Crossing guards play a critical role in ensuring the safety of children as they cross busy streets. Always follow their directions, even if traffic lights suggest otherwise.

3. Leave Early and Slow Down

• Avoid Rushing: One of the best ways to prevent accidents is to give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Rushing leads to stress and distractions, which can increase the likelihood of accidents.

The Impact of Speeding in School Zones

Todd highlighted the severe consequences of speeding in school zones. Not only does it increase the risk of tragic accidents, but it also comes with hefty fines and can significantly raise your insurance premiums, especially for teenage drivers.

• Hefty Fines: Speeding tickets in school zones can cost around $300.
• Insurance Impact: For teenage drivers, a ticket can cause insurance rates to skyrocket.

The Rising Use of Bikes and Scooters

With 11% of students now riding bikes or scooters to school, it’s more important than ever to stay vigilant. Todd encourages drivers to be extra cautious, particularly during the morning and afternoon hours when students are most likely to be on the roads.

WeWin Injury Law – Ready to Help When Accidents Happen

While the hope is that no one ever needs their services, WeWin Injury Law is ready to assist if an accident does occur. We offer 24/7 live chat and phone services and have offices throughout Utah, including in Orem, Hurricane, Cedar City, and St. George.