Driving on its own can be scary, but it becomes more so when in a school zone. Although school zones have stricter rules and regulations with the idea to keep students safe, many would be surprised at the number of children that are harmed each year in school zones. According to the Transportation Research Board, approximately 25,000 children are injured and 100 are killed in school zone accidents annually.
It’s not just student drivers that drive recklessly in school zones, adults have also been known for being aggressive drivers during the slow traffic. This nationwide problem affect the Timber Creek community personally. In 2017, a former Timber Creek student, Aaron Lancaster, was injured in a hit-and-run incident in a school zone. He luckily recovered, but the incident highlights why it is pivotal to drive safely.
The Texas Department of Transportation, TxDot, has begun their annual “Be safe. Drive smart.” public safety awareness campaign once again this year, sending out safety tips to students and parents alike. The objective of the TxDot campaign is to bring attention to the bad habits that drivers are partake in while driving that can be detrimental to both people in and outside of the car.
There are no safe spaces on the road, but being careful can save a life. Before you get behind the wheel, eliminate any potential distractions so that you can keep your eyes on the road.