Back-To-School Safety In Bradenton, FL: How To Prevent Children’s Bike, Pedestrian, And Bus Accidents

When the school year begins in Bradenton, traffic patterns change almost overnight. More children are walking, biking, and riding the bus, and drivers must adjust to slower speeds and increased congestion in school zones. Unfortunately, this seasonal shift can lead to an uptick in accidents involving young students.

Our Bradenton personal injury lawyer represents families in our community whose children are injured in traffic-related incidents. We know firsthand the devastating impact these accidents can have and want to help parents and drivers work together to keep kids safe.

Common Hazards Bradenton Children Face When Traveling To And From School

For children who attend classes in the Manatee County School District, school resumes on August 11, 2025. While parents are busy making preparations, take time to review some simple precautions as well.

One of the most significant risks children face each school year is transportation accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that children are the most vulnerable road users and face hazards whether they walk, bike, or take the bus to school. These include:

• Bicycle accidents caused by drivers speeding, being distracted, or failing to yield.
• Pedestrian injuries from drivers running stop signs in school zones and disregarding crosswalks.
• Bus-related crashes when motorists ignore stop-arm signals or attempt to pass a stopped school bus.
• Poor visibility due to early morning darkness or rainy weather, making all three types of accidents more likely to happen.

How to Prevent Bradenton School-Related Bike, Pedestrian, and Bus Accidents

Protecting the safety of returning students is a top priority for parents, teachers, and school administrators. However, it also requires help from the community and drivers who pass through the Manatee County area.

To reduce accident risks, our Bradenton personal injury lawyer recommends the following these tips:

• Slow down in school zones and obey all posted speed limits.
• Stop when school buses display flashing red lights and extended stop arms as required under the Florida Statutes.
• Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists at crosswalks.
• Watch for bikes at intersections, and give at least three feet of clearance when passing.
• Eliminate distractions by silencing your phone and focusing on the road.
• Teach children safe travel habits, such as looking both ways before crossing and wearing helmets when biking.

Parents can further reduce risks by walking or biking routes with their children before school starts, pointing out safe crossings and areas to avoid.

When School-Related Accidents Happen, Contact Our Experienced Bradenton Personal Injury Lawyer

Accidents that happen when your child bikes, walks, or takes the bus to school can cause potentially devastating injuries that impact your child now and for years into the future. Sadly, negligent behavior on the part of others involved is to blame.

At the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely, we hold those at fault accountable and fight to get your family justice and the compensation you need to move forward. Contact our experienced Bradenton personal injury lawyer today to schedule a consultation.

Sources:

manateeschools.net/backtoschool

nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.172.html