As backpacks are slung over shoulders and school bells ring once again, the Auto Club of Southern California is sounding the alarm: “School’s Open – Drive Carefully!” With thousands of students walking, biking, and riding to class, the roads around schools are about to get busier—and more dangerous.
Crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for school-aged children. And with distracted driving on the rise, the Auto Club is urging drivers to slow down, stay alert, and make safety a top priority.
“Every child deserves a safe journey to and from school,” said Auto Club Corporate Communications Manager Doug Shupe. “Back to school means back to vigilance. Let’s protect our kids by driving with care and intention.”
The Danger Zone: After-School Hours
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly one-third of child pedestrian deaths occur between 3 and 7 p.m.—the critical hours when kids are walking home. In 2024 alone, 12,085 pedestrians were killed or injured on California roads, 963 were minors.
Children are especially vulnerable: they’re smaller, harder to see, and often distracted or unaware of traffic risks. Drivers must compensate by being extra cautious, especially in school zones and residential neighborhoods.
Distraction Kills
Distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives nationwide in 2022, and California saw 10,198 deaths and serious injuries in 2024 due to distraction-related crashes. Tragically, non-drivers—pedestrians and bicyclists—make up nearly 1 in 5 of these fatalities.
Speeding: A Deadly Mistake
Speeding remains a top killer on the roads, responsible for 887 deaths and 4,279 serious injuries in California last year. A pedestrian hit at 25 mph is two-thirds less likely to be killed than one hit at 35 mph. That 10-mph difference can mean life or death.
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Put down the phone—distractions can be deadly.
- Slow down—especially in school zones.
- Watch for bikes—give at least 3 feet of space.
- Talk to teens—after-school hours are high-risk.
- Stop fully at stop signs—don’t roll through.
- Respect school buses—red lights mean stop.
Tips for Parents & Guardians
- Walk school routes with kids and point out hazards.
- Teach kids to avoid phones and headphones while walking.
- Encourage eye contact with drivers before crossing.
- Ensure helmets are worn and fitted properly.
- Reinforce safe behavior around traffic and buses.