Dave Abels, Author at Abels & Annes, P.C.

$600,000 settlement obtained by Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyer

Arizona personal injury attorney Gary Annes has settled a pedestrian accident lawsuit for $600,000. The accident took place in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois back in November, 2008. Liability was contested in the case.

The plaintiff was crossing a four-lane road at an intersection with an unmarked crosswalk. The intersection is near a commuter rail station and train passengers frequently cross the street at the location where the accident occurred.

The victim in our case was walking after dark from the train station to his car that had been left for the day in a nearby parking lot. He crossed safely halfway and then a car stopped to let him cross the rest of the way. As he continued to cross the street, an elderly driver failed to observe the plaintiff and hit him with his vehicle. Our client was only about a step away from the other curb.

The collision knocked him several feet into the air, and he landed by a vehicle that was parked nearby. He was found a short time later by paramedics in a pool of his own blood, and then taken to a nearby emergency room.

Local police rushed to the scene of the accident. Investigating officers were able to speak with the defendant and an independent witness. The elderly driver said to police that he thought someone threw a rock at his car and that he never saw the plaintiff. He drove about a block down, turned around and came back, and only then realized he had hit a pedestrian.

The plaintiff sustained serious injuries in the incident. When he arrived at the emergency room, medical personnel observed a temporary loss of consciousness and that he was having amnesia. He was repetitive and confused. He had also sustained multiple lacerations all over his body. Doctors used staples to close up his right shoulder and his scalp to stop immediate bleeding.

The severity of his injures was soon realized after diagnostic tests were performed. He had sustained multiple facial fractures, including a right-sided orbital blowout fracture. He also had a pelvic fracture, a right ulna fracture and a cerebral hemorrhage.

The plaintiff had several surgeries in the hospital, including an open reduction and internal fixation of his right ulna, an open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture to his pelvis, and surgery to repair his orbital fractures.

Our client remained in the hospital for days before he was finally transferred to a rehab facility where he then stayed for several weeks for rehabilitation and therapy.
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Phoenix Drunk Driving Accidents Spur Call for Stiffer Penalties

by Dave Abels

If Washington lawmakers are successful, drunk driving accidents in Phoenix would decrease due to harsher sanctions for first-time DUI offenders.

The bill, working its way through a number of house committees, would offer states money – millions of dollars – if they impose the new rules. Most notable among those rules is the requirement for first-time offenders to pay to have a breath device installed that would measure the amount of alcohol in their blood before they could turn the car on.

Our Phoenix car accident lawyers know that the Arizona courts already use this program — called the Ignition Interlock Program — for people who have been convicted of more than one DUI. If the new law were passed, first-time DUI offenders would be required to use it too, if the state wanted access to the millions of dollars in federal grant money.

What’s at stake is a share of $25 million, which would be doled out among qualifying states for various highway safety projects.

Some argue the bill would cost participating states more to implement than it would be worth. The most vocal critic, up until now, has been the American Beverage Institute (for obvious reasons).

An ABI spokeswoman even likened the bill to bribery, saying it was especially unfair to make this strings-attached proposal amid a struggling economy.

However, we would ask you to consider this: According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, for the average first-time DUI offender, the arrest isn’t the first time they have ever driven impaired. It’s merely the first time he or she has been caught. The advocacy group determined the typical first-time DUI offender has driven drunk about 80 times prior to that first arrest.

What’s more, according to the International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety, the interlock device program decreases the chances of another drunk driving offense, especially when it’s paired with some other service program, for as long as the device is being used.

In Arizona, it’s the offenders who are responsible to pay to have the machines installed if they want driving privileges. There is a list of approved providers, and it costs about $400 – not including court fines and fees.

In addition to the increased punishment for first-time drivers, the new bill would also spell out specific penalties for people with multiple DUI convictions. Right now, judges have the option of taking away the driver’s license for a full year or making the driver install the breath machine for 12 months, and allowing that person certain driving privileges, such as work and school.

A draft of the bill outlines very specifically the terms under which a repeat offender using the breath machine could drive.

In Arizona, those driving with the interlock device are limited to driving to the following places:

-Work.

-Home.

-School.

-Alcohol or drug treatment.

-Probation office.

-Doctor’s office.

-Am interlock device service center.

Drivers who break this rule or fail to have their device serviced every month face further penalties and fines.
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Fewer Rules Put Teenagers at Higher Risks for Car Accidents in Arizona, Nation

by Dave Abels

Teenage drivers may think that they know everything behind the wheel. What they aren’t typically aware of is the impact teenage passengers have on their roadway safety. A recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health concluded teens are at higher risks for car accidents in Phoenix and elsewhere when other teen passengers are present in the vehicle.The study concluded that young male and female drivers were affected by passengers differently. While female drivers had passengers present in the car, they were more likely to play with their makeup, look at the other passenger, send and receive text messages and make phone calls. Boy teen drivers were more likely to break driving laws, including speeding and improperly turning, when other teenage passengers were present. What stayed about the same between the two was their risk for an accident. In nearly 700 cases analyzed, female drivers were distracted prior to 20 percent of the accidents in which they were involved, while male drivers were distracted about 25 percent of the time.

Phoenix car accident attorneys are aware that teenage drivers are more likely to get into a car accident than any other age group of drivers. Studies found ways we can help to reduce those risks for our teens. Comprehensive graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) programs along with thorough parental involvement can help reduce risks. GDL programs allow teenagers to master difficult driving skills through a number of restrictive levels. In some of the strictest GDL programs, teenage passengers are limited in these levels. Parental involvement helps, too. When parents know where their teen drivers are and are informed about their driving habits, teens are less likely to act out behind the wheel.

“Distraction from peer passengers appears to play a prominent role for both male and female drivers,” said Allison E. Curry, Ph.D., MPH, lead author on this study. “One in five females and one in four males who were driving with friends were distracted by something inside the vehicle just before they crashed.”

Researchers from the Center for Injury Research and Prevention with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia conducted the studies that drew these conclusions.

In that first study, researchers picked apart accident reports from more than 675 teenage drivers. In these reports, it was clear that both male and female teenage drivers are dangerously affected by distractions.

In another study, the same researchers looked into how children reacted when parents were involved in their business behind the wheel. When researchers looked at more than 195 teenage drivers, they found that parent involvement leads to safer drivers. Teenagers who had parents who were actively involved in their driving habits typically perceived the risk as higher and were less likely to seek driving “sensations.” States that had GDL programs that limited the number of teenage passengers that a young driver could drive also saw lower accident rates among teen drivers.

Parents are urged to take the GDL program into their own hands. No, we don’t mean toss out all the rules, but embrace the current laws and add ones that you feel will contribute to your child’s safety. Make sure to enforce these laws and to actively punish for breaking these rules. Holding your teen driver to strict driving rules will not only help them to be responsible, but it will help to keep them safe on our roadways.
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Phoenix injury lawyer settles car accident claim for $23,000

by Dave Abels

Arizona auto accident attorneys at Abels & Annes recently resolved the case for a Peoria resident. Our office pursued both the negligence claim against the at fault driver and an Arizona underinsured motorist claim against the plaintiff’s own auto insurance policy.

The collision took place on October 18, 2010, at approximately 7:17 p.m. The plaintiff was injured when the vehicle he was driving was rear-ended by another vehicle.

Our client was driving westbound on Peoria Avenue in Peoria, Arizona. The defendant was also driving her vehicle westbound on Peoria Avenue, directly behind the plaintiff. The client stopped for a red light at the intersection of Peoria Avenue and 91st Avenue in Peoria, Arizona. There were several vehicles stopped in front of him at the intersection. The defendant then failed to stop and/or reduce the speed of her vehicle she was driving, and struck the plaintiff’s vehicle in the rear.

The Peoria Police Department responded to the accident scene. After speaking to both parties, the investigating officers placed the defendant at fault for the collision. In the police report, she admitted that she did not see the light was red until it was too late and that she tried to stop her vehicle but it was too late. Furthermore, the investigating officers noted in the police report that the defendant was driving too fast for conditions and was not paying attention.

We alleged the defendant’s insurance carrier that she failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to yield for traffic, failed to stop and/or reduce her speed to avoid a collision, was driving at an excessive rate of speed, and failed to exercise due care for the safety of those in the area, including the plaintiff.

Following the collision, our client had an immediate onset of back pain, neck pain and headaches.

That same day, he was seen at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center‘s Emergency Department. There, he complained of back pain, neck pain and headaches. A history was taken, he was examined and diagnostic tests were performed, including a cervical spine x-ray. A physical exam revealed tenderness of the lumbar spine and thoracic spine, as well as limited range of motion due to pain. An x-ray of his cervical spine found straightening of the cervical lordosis, intervertebral disc space narrowing at C5-6 and C6-7, cervical spondylosis, and unco-vertebral and facet joint hypertrophic changes in the mid cervical spine. He was initially diagnosed with a back sprain, neck pain, and headaches. He was instructed to follow up with his primary care physician and discharged.

Due to ongoing and increasing pain, The client sought follow up medical care at Phoenix Orthopaedic Consultants on October 26, 2010. He complained of mid back pain, lower back pain causing radiating pain down his right leg to his foot with associated tingling and numbness, neck pain, headaches with associated tingling on his face, and right upper extremity weakness. A history was taken and he was examined. A physical exam revealed tenderness of the mid-line and paravertebral thoracic spine with severe paraspinal muscle spasms, right lower lumbosacral junction tenderness with severe paraspinal muscle spasms, increased pain with flexion, hypoesthesia of the right lower extremities and right upper extremities, tenderness to the mid-line of the cervical spine with severe paraspinal muscle spasms, decreased range of motion, and positive Tinel’s sign at the right wrist. His physician diagnosed him with back pain, right lower extremity radiculopathy, neck pain, right upper extremity radiculopathy, thoracic pain, and headaches. He was instructed to go for MRIs of his lumbar spine, cervical spine, and thoracic spine.

Per is physician’s referral, on November 2, 2010, the plaintiff was seen at Valley Radiologists for diagnostic testing, including MRIs of his cervical spine, thoracic spine, and lumbar spine. The MRI of his cervical spine found small degenerative disc bulges in his spine.

Based on the MRI findings, our client sought follow up treatment with his doctor on November 12, 2010. At that time, he complained of neck pain, mid back pain, lower back pain, and headaches. The physician reviewed the MRIs of his lumbar spine, cervical spine, and thoracic spine. Based on the his review of the MRI results, he prescribed pain medication and instructed him to begin physical therapy.

On December 21, 2010, the client returned for follow up treatment. A physical exam was performed, which revealed paravertebral spasms throughout the cervical spine, thoracic spine and lumbar spine and decreased range of motion due to pain. The physician prescribed pain medication and instructed him to continue physical therapy.

On February 18, 2011, the plaintiff returned for follow up treatment. There, he complained of continued back pain. A physical exam was performed, which revealed paravertebral tenderness in the thoracolumbar spine with muscle spasms and decreased range of motion.

Our client started a course of physical therapy at Physiotherapy Associates on November 18, 2010. His treatment consisted of therapeutic exercises, therapeutic activities, neuromuscular rehabilitation, manual therapy, mobilization, and spinal mobilization. He attended twelve (12) sessions of physical therapy at Physiotherapy Associates, which ended on February 22, 2011.

The at fault driver in the accident only carried auto insurance in the amount of $15,000, the Arizona required minimum. After our office collected that amount, we pursuing an underinsured motorist claim against the plaintiff’s own auto insurance policy and collected an additional $8,000, bringing the plaintiff’s total up to $23,000.
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Pedestrian Accidents in Phoenix Likely Fault of Drivers

by Dave Abels

There is a new study that looks at the impact of distractions on pedestrian accidents in Phoenix and elsewhere over the last decade.

The vast majority of these accidents were the fault of drivers — distracted or otherwise. Distracted pedestrians accounted for only 120 of the 48,000 pedestrian fatalities from 2000 to 2009, according to Transportation For America.Overall, the number of fatal pedestrian accidents has roughly tripped in the last six years. Distracted driving car accidents took the lives of roughly 3,100 people in 2010. Distracted pedestrian accidents took the lives of about 120 people in the studied 8-year time period.

Our Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyers understand the truth of the matter is that these kinds of accidents are most oftentimes the fault of the drivers that are involved. Distracted pedestrians contributed to less than 1 percent of the recorded fatalities from 2000 to 2009.
We understand that it’s never a good idea to travel, whether by foot or by vehicle, while engaging in distractions. To help to steer clear of dangerous drivers, pedestrians are asked to place their full attention on the roadway and on passing traffic.

What is most likely the top contributor to fatal pedestrian accidents is motorists not paying attention. Some also believe that the condition of our roadways is also a factor. You’re most likely to die in an accident while walking along a state highway, busy arterial street or other type of busy roadway that’s eligible to receive federal money for safety measures. The lack of sidewalks and safe crossings is arguably one cause for fatal pedestrian accidents in Arizona and elsewhere.

To help to reduce the risks of pedestrian accidents, the Arizona Department of Transportation shares its “Sharing The Road With Pedestrians Pamphlet” for drivers and pedestrians to review.

Tips for Drivers to Better Protect Pedestrians:

-Slow down when you see pedestrians.

-Slow down where pedestrians are likely to travel.

-Curb distractions and place all of your attention onto the roadway.

-Obey the signals at a pedestrian hybrid beacon.

-Always use your turn signals so that pedestrians know where your vehicle is going to go.

-Use the horn only when necessary.

-Be extra cautious nearly child pedestrians and in school zones and residential neighborhoods.

-Reduce your speed when approaching a stop sign, a traffic light, a crosswalk or a roundabout.

-Always yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. Pedestrians have the right-of-way in these areas.

-Be on the lookout for pedestrians when driving in parking lots.

-Remember that a 3,000 vehicle can do a lot of damage to properly and to a pedestrian, even when traveling at 5 miles per hour.
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When Elderly Drivers Should Give Up Driving to Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in Phoenix

by Dave Abels

The University of Colorado Denver recently released a study that concluded that most elderly residents agreed that the driving abilities of seniors should be retested periodically. These retests would be to help reduce the risks of car accidents in Phoenix and elsewhere. Most everyone who was surveyed said that they would willingly hand over their car keys if either a doctor or a loved one said that they were not longer to safely drive.”This is where the advance driving directive could come in,” said Emmy Betz, of the University of Colorado. “We would have something in writing that says when the time comes who do you trust to make the decision that you can no longer safely drive?”

Our Phoenix car accident attorneys know the risks that seniors face behind the wheel. With age, unfortunately our senses and abilities deteriorate. It’s important for friends and family members to keep an eye on the senses and abilities of our elderly ones to make sure they’re not at any risks on our roadways. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there nearly 6,000 older adults who were killed in traffic accidents in 2008. In addition, there were nearly 200,000 who were injured. With the proper interventions from friends and family members and potential license retesting, we can help to significantly reduce the risks of car accidents on roadways everywhere.

In the latest study released by the University, researchers surveyed more than 120 elderly individuals.

The results revealed:

-More than 70 percent of elderly drivers say they’re in favor of mandatory driver’s license retesting based on a driver’s age.

-About 68 percent said they thought it was Ok for a member of their family to decide when their driver’s license should be taken away.

-Roughly 53 percent said they thought it was Ok for a doctor to decide when their driver’s license should be taken away.

-Nearly 30 percent said that they thought it was Ok for the DMV to determine when their driver’s license should be taken away.

Many things can go wrong when you’re an elderly driver. The senses fade with age. Sight, hearing, reactions, flexibility, etc. deteriorate as you grow older. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. There are also varying outside factors that contribute to the dangers that elderly drivers face. Many elderly drivers are on medications that hinder their ability to operate a motor vehicle. As a matter of fact, the study concluded that the average number of medications taken by one elderly driver was seven.

All factors of aging are a part of life and are in fact unavoidable. But car accidents in Phoenix are avoidable. Families are urged to keep an eye on their elderly loved ones to help ensure they’re not putting themselves and others at risks for a potentially fatal accident. Your care and concern could help to save lives on our roadways.
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New Website Helping Parents to Protect Children in Car Accidents in Phoenix, Nation

by Dave Abels

A new website, “Car Seat Safety for Kids,” recently went live and replaced the “Keeping Kids Safe During Crashes” site. This website is hosted by the Kohl’s Injury Prevention Program and the Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP) and helps parents to reduce the risks of injury to children in Phoenix and elsewhere. This website serves as a one-stop shop for information regarding child passenger safety (CPS). Through this website, new videos are offered to help parents stay up-to-date with the latest child car seat recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).”This site brings together research expertise and practical experience,” says Suzanne Hill, director of Advocacy and Outreach at CIRP.

Our Phoenix car accident lawyers understand that this website is a beneficial tool in helping current parents and expectant parents prepare and better protect child passengers. Car accidents are the leading cause of death for children age 3- to 14-years-old. Statistics reveal that nearly 9,000 lives were saved because of child restraints from 1975 to 2008. As we stated before, there were nearly 37,500 people killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. in 2008. Of these fatalities, children under the age of 14 accounted for nearly 5 percent. It’s it our responsibility as safe drivers, parents and guardians to ensure that our young passengers are properly buckled up during every car ride.

In 2008 in Arizona, there were nearly 35 children under the age of 14 who were killed in car crashes.

For every child who dies in a motor-vehicle accident, another 400 children are treated for injuries. Using the proper safety seat can help to reduce these alarming risks.

Car Seat Recommendations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

-Children under the age of 1: These young passengers should always ride in a rear-facing car seat.

-Children ages 1- to 3-years-old: Children should remain in a rear-racing car seat for as long as possible. When they reach the rear-facing seat’s height and weight requirement, it’s time to graduate them to a front-facing car seat with a harness.

-Children ages 4- to 7- years-old: These children should ride in a forward-facing car seat for as long as they can (until they reach the seat’s height and weight requirements). When they exceed the seat’s requirements, it’s time to put them in a booster seat.

-Children ages 8- to 12-years-old: These children should remain in a booster seat for as long as possible. When they outgrow their booster seat, it’s time to let them ride like a grownup. When placing them in an adult seat with a seat belt, make sure that the seat belt lies snugly across their upper thighs and that the shoulder portion lies snug across the shoulder and chest area, not the neck.

It’s important to keep children in the back seat for as long as possible. Children are safer in the back seat away from the air bag. Their little bodies can’t sustain impact from the airbags like adult bodies can.

Parents are urged to visit the new “Car Seat Safety for Kids” website and to stay well-informed of the latest child seat safety news and technology. Education is the best way to help reduce the risks of injury in the event of an accident for your young riders.
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Drivers Ignoring Roadway Dangers, Increasing Risks of Car Accidents in Phoenix, Nation

by Dave Abels

According to a recent study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Americans desire safer roadways and they support government actions to get it. Still, a majority of drivers continue to engage in dangerous driving behavior and increase risks for car accidents in Phoenix and elsewhere.The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that there were nearly 32,900 people who were killed in car accidents nationwide in 2010. Although this is the lowest number of traffic fatalities recorded in the last 60 years, the number is still alarmingly high.

Our Phoenix car accident lawyers understand that car accidents are still the number one cause of death among residents 4- to 34-years-old. Although drivers recognize the need for safer driving habits, many of them are not willing to make the change themselves. That’s why we’re asking for everyone to join forces and to raise awareness about roadway safety. Safer roadways start with you and by exercising safe driving habits, we can all work together to make 2012 the safest year ever!

“Take the first step and make a personal goal to be a safe driver in 2012,” said AAA’s Predicent a CEO, Peter Kissinger.

Someone dies in a car accident every 16 minutes in the U.S. Until this number reaches zero, we as Americans and as responsible drivers have much work to do.

According to the AAA Study:

-More than 85 percent of drivers said that it was completely irresponsible to drive without buckling up, but about a quarter of drivers said that they don’t wear a seat belt while driving.

-A majority of drivers said that is was unacceptably dangerous to drive more than 10 mph over the posted speed limit in neighborhoods, yet plenty admitted doing it.

-Approximately 95 percent of drivers reported that they believe that drinking and driving endangers everyone on the roadways. Even with near unanimous opposition, about 15 percent admitted to doing it at least once in the last 30 days.

-Almost all of the surveyed drivers stated that they thought it was irresponsible, dangerous and unacceptable for a driver to run through a red light, but more than 35 percent said that they’ve done it at least once in the last month.

-A majority of drivers stated that talking on a cell phone behind the wheel is a dangerous habit, but about one in every three drivers said that they do it regularly.

-Nearly all surveyed drivers said that texting while driving is a big no-no, but a third said that they take part in the behavior often.

Researchers see this “do as I say, not as I do” attitude increases the risks– drivers feel that everyone should do what is safe and what is right behind the wheel, but feel that they shouldn’t be held to these same standards. Drivers throughout the state of Arizona and throughout the country are asked to put their best foot forward in making our roadways safer in 2012. Make safe driving habits a top priority this year and for years to come!
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Drivers Distractions Increasing Risks of Car Accidents in Arizona

by Dave Abels

It’s been proven in a number of studies, engaging in distractions while driving, biking and walking increases the risks for an accident in Arizona, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). Distractions can come in a number of forms, including talking on a cell phone, text messaging, catering to children, drinking, eating and applying makeup. The bottom line is that distractions are dangerous and drivers should be concentrating on the road while operating a motor vehicle.Everyone also knows about the dangers of driving while intoxicated, but many underestimate the dangers of driving while drowsy. Some common prescription drugs and even over-the-counter drugs can cause drowsiness. Drivers that take these drugs are more likely to have slower reaction times behind the wheel.

Our Phoenix car accident lawyers understand that the distractions don’t end there. Pets can also cause drivers to take their attention off of the roadway. Paper maps, GPS devices and hand-held electronic devices are dangerous to use while driving, too. We’re not solely pointing the finger at drivers either. Pedestrians can also be distracted while walking along our roadways while listening to headphones, talking with other fellow pedestrians and playing with electronic devices. Engaging in any of these distractions can greatly increase someone’s risk for a potentially fatal accident.

According to recent studies, a driver who is distracted by the use of a cell phone is nearly five times more likely to get into an accident. Some studies even conclude that distracted drivers have the same reaction time as drivers who are legally drunk.

Ordinances regarding these behaviors vary between the state’s jurisdictions. Motorists need to be careful of what the rules are in different areas. More municipal agencies offer this type of information on their website. The penalties for being busted for engaging in prohibited distractions are relatively minor, but the risks and consequences for an accident resulting from this behavior are not.

In Arizona, only school bus drivers are prohibited from using a cell phone behind the wheel. All other drivers are free to talk on the phone and text message behind the wheel, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Distraction-Related Safety Tips from the U.S. Department of Transportation:

-Turn off the cell phone before getting into the vehicle.

-Talk with friends and family members about the importance of keeping your eyes on the road.

-Pull over into a safe area before making or answering a phone call.

-Ask passengers to make and answer phone calls for you if need be.

-Don’t text and drive. It not only takes your mind away from driving, it also takes your eyes off the road and your hands from the wheel.

-Know the distraction-related laws in the areas you are driving in.

-Know where you’re going before you venture out to reduce the need for road maps and GPS devices while driving.

-Make sure that all children and pets are properly restrained before starting the vehicle.
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ADOT Reviews School Zone Safety to Help Reduce Risks of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents in Arizona

by Dave Abels

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), bicycle and pedestrian safety in school zones should be a top priority of all travelers. Local, state and federal officials oftentimes encourage biking and walking to school for a healthy lifestyle, but the safety of these young ones is oftentimes overlooked. Our state has continuously been a leader in providing safe school areas for our young students to help reduce the risks of bicycle and pedestrian accidents in Arizona. Now we’re turning the attention towards motorists because without cooperation from these individuals, the safety net that school zones are supposed to provide means nothing.Arizona established low speeds in school zones different than any other state in the country. The system that we use was established back in 1950. Our state pushes a uniform application of a 15 miles per hour speed limit in all school zones from kindergarten through eighth grade. There’s a problem though! These speed limits can’t just be used at crosswalks that are policed by either stop signs or traffic signals. Under the current law, only portable signs and crosswalk markings can be used to enact a 15 mph speed limit. So to get this speed limit, employees set up and remove these devices to get passing traffic to slow down. Normal traffic flow is resumed during non-school hours and when signs are removed.

Our Phoenix bicycle accident lawyers understand that each school zone with a 15 mph speed limit is marked with a fluorescent yellow-green pentagon-shaped warning sign. After this permanent sign is where the portable signs are placed that read, “”NO PASSING, 15 MPH, FINES DOUBLED, SCHOOL IN SESSION.” These portable signs are located from 75 to about 300 feet before the fluorescent sign. The portable signs are posted where the reduced speed limit begins. Drivers are asked to be extremely cautious in these areas. The portable signs are brought out when children are expected to be around school and crossing the street, whether it be on foot or on a bicycle. Reduced speeds are enacted to help to protect our school-aged children. All motorists are asked to be extremely cautious when traveling near schools, whether there are warning signs or not.

In these reduced-speed areas, it’s important that drivers don’t pass other vehicles. Signs in these areas will also alert drivers to stop when children are in the crosswalk. In school areas, drivers are required by law to stop for anyone and everyone using the crosswalk.

Arizona doesn’t use “School Zone Ends” signs either.

Motorists are asked to be extremely cautious when traveling through these areas. Remember that while our students are at increased risks for pedestrian accidents during this time, the crossing guard is the most vulnerable.

Remember that your safe driving habits shouldn’t end in school zones either. When it’s that time of the year and students are back in school, drivers should exercise extreme caution when driving through residential neighborhoods and round school buses as well.

Drivers should be cautious when traveling near big-yellow school buses. Always stop when a bus is stopped. Officers are out in full force making sure that travel is safe for our young students.

To help you to drive safely in these areas, please curb all the distractions. Hang up the cell phone, text message later and groom yourself before you leave the house. By working together, we can all make a difference in the safety of our school children.
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