Back-to-School Safety: How to Reduce The Risks Of Auto Accidents

The start of a new school year means packed drop-off lanes, more kids crossing streets, and heavier morning traffic. While this frantic activity can be fun for children, it increases the likelihood of auto accidents around schools, which can leave drivers, passengers, and pedestrians suffering serious injuries.
Staying alert during the back-to-school rush is critical to keeping parents, children, and other commuters safe. Our auto accident attorneys protect injured victims and their families throughout our community and know how devastating school transportation accidents can be. Here’s what to know about the risks and how to help prevent them.
Washington State Auto Accidents Increase During Back-to-School Season
Students in the Issaquah School District resumed classes on August 28, 2025. After a long summer, traffic patterns shift dramatically, particularly during early morning and mid-afternoon hours when children are going to and coming from school.
The National Safety Council (NSC) warns that auto accidents involving motorists and pedestrians tend to increase as a result. Like a lot of areas of King County, many Issaquah residential neighborhoods connect directly to busy commuter roads, increasing the risk. These create choke points where impatient drivers and young pedestrians cross paths.
Other factors that make back-to-school auto accidents more likely to happen include:
- Distracted driving due to cell phones, in-car navigation, or multitasking.
- Speeding in recently-dormant school zones.
- Failing to yield at crosswalks or to crossing guards.
- Unsafe passing of stopped school buses with flashing lights.
- Jaywalking or unsafe crossings by students in a hurry to get to and from class.
These hazards threaten children walking to school and put parents, bus drivers, and other commuters at risk. Awareness and patience during school commuting hours are the first lines of defense.
Steps to Protect Students and Prevent Back-To-School Auto Accidents in Issaquah
The City of Issaquah has several projects slated for completion by the start of the new school year to protect public safety, including crosswalk improvements along Front Street. However, preventing back-to-school auto accidents is a community responsibility.
Drivers need to slow down and stay focused, while parents should help children better understand pedestrian safety. Even small changes make a difference in preventing injuries. The NSC encourages local communities to follow these tips:
- Look for crossing guards when walking and follow their instructions without hesitation.
- Obey the “stop” arm on school buses (failure to do so can result in heavy fines under Washington law).
When Injuries Happen, Contact Our Experienced Auto Accident Attorneys For Help
Auto accident risks increase when children go back to school. When injuries happen, Injury Law Group NW is here to help you get the compensation you need to recover.
We hold negligent drivers accountable and protect your rights throughout the claims process. To speak with one of our experienced Issaquah-based auto accident attorneys, call or contact us online and schedule a consultation today.
Sources:
isd411.org/about-us/calendars
issaquahwa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6150
nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/school-safety/back-to-school-safety-tips-for-drivers?srsltid=AfmBOop4IhTWyIQ_4GQ6a_b5fbnMzsWqj6QkYKT-4Vk4ErSStPLNRZTf
