School zones are areas where drivers are supposed to practice additional methods of care and safety to ensure that children are not put at risk of danger. However, school zone accidents may increase during back-to-school season, especially when drivers are not paying attention, speeding, or navigating the chaos of school pickup. Understanding the dangers of school zones and the necessary steps to take to work towards recovery is crucial for the next time you pick up your child from school.
Care and Caution
It is important to understand that a child may unexpectedly enter a roadway, follow another child into a crosswalk, ride a bicycle between parked vehicles, or become distracted while walking. School zones are also areas where crowds may become congested very quickly, especially during morning drop-off and afternoon pickup. Cars may be stopping, turning, double-parking, backing out, or entering traffic while pedestrians move between vehicles.
As a result, drivers should adjust their driving to the conditions around them. Driving at the posted speed limit does not necessarily mean that a driver is operating safely under every circumstance. The following instances may require additional caution and care.
- Heavy pedestrian traffic
- Limited visibility
- Congestion
- Poor weather
- Children near the road
Speed Limits around School Zones
California Vehicle Code Section 22352 usually establishes a 25 mph speed limit when approaching or passing school buildings while children are going to or leaving school.
California law also changed in 2026 through Assembly Bill 382. Under the new requirements, local authorities may establish a 20 mph speed limit in a school zone by law. The legislation also allows lower limits under certain circumstances and contains additional school-zone speed restrictions. As a result, drivers should pay close attention to posted signs rather than assuming that every California school zone has the same speed limit.
Speed can become an important issue in a personal injury claim. Even a small difference in vehicle speed may affect how much time a driver has to perceive a child, react, brake, and avoid a vehicle collision.
Responsibility of the Driver
Crosswalks are especially important in school zones. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21950, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within marked crosswalks and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Drivers approaching pedestrians within these crosswalks must also exercise care, reduce their speed, or take other appropriate action when necessary to protect pedestrian safety. This means drivers approaching a school crosswalk should actively watch for pedestrians rather than assume that the roadway will be clear.
California Vehicle Code Section 21954
California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states that pedestrians crossing outside marked or unmarked crosswalks usually must yield to vehicles that are close enough to cause an immediate hazard. The law also states that this rule does not excuse drivers of their duty to exercise reasonable care for pedestrian safety.
What May Cause a School Zone Accident?
The following instances may cause a school zone accident.
- Speeding or driving too fast for existing conditions
- Distracted driving, including texting or using a phone
- Failure to yield at a crosswalk
- Rolling through stop signs
- Unsafe turns near pedestrians
- Backing out without checking for children
- Driving around stopped or congested vehicles
- Limited visibility caused by parked cars
- Unsafe pickup and drop-off practices
- Failure to observe crossing guards or traffic signals
- Impaired or fatigued driving
Evidence identifying the cause of the accident may become extremely important when determining whether there was negligence involved.
Who is Accountable for Damages?
Depending on the circumstances, potentially responsible parties could include but are not limited to the following individuals.
- Negligent driver
- Another motorist
Some cases may also raise questions involving roadway conditions, traffic controls, visibility, or public property. As a result, determining responsibility depends on the specific facts of the accident.
California’s Comparative Negligence Laws
California follows a comparative negligence system. This means responsibility for an accident may sometimes be divided among multiple parties. Individuals who are involved in a school zone accident may still be able to receive some sort of compensation depending on their overall percentage of fault in the initial collision.
Maintaining Evidence
School zone collisions can occur quickly, making it extremely important to preserve evidence and documentation. Useful evidence may include, but is not limited to, the following.
- Surveillance footage
- Dashcam recordings
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Vehicle data
- Traffic-signal information
Medical records can also document the nature of the child's injuries, treatment, recovery, and whether additional care may be necessary.
Types of Injuries
The following injuries may occur after a school zone accident.
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Psychological effects
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
Guidance and Support
Victims may benefit from seeking legal guidance and support after suffering the consequences of a school zone accident. A qualified professional may be able to explain applicable California laws, review the facts of your case, and speak to insurance companies on your behalf. This is crucial when dealing with the challenges that may come after a school zone accident.
KAASS LAW
The skilled personal injury attorneys at KAASS LAW are determined and ready to help victims and their loved ones seek care after suffering injuries from a school zone accident. Our legal team may be able to review available footage, witness information, medical records, and other evidence related to your specific case. If you have suffered injuries from a school zone accident, you are not alone. Contact KAASS LAW today to discuss your potential options and receive a confidential consultation.