Back-to-School Season Brings Heightened Risks for Young Pedestrians and Cyclists in Virginia

As students return to school each August, traffic patterns across Hampton Roads change as more children walk and ride bicycles to school, bus stops, and after-school activities. In communities throughout Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton, Portsmouth, and Newport News, drivers should expect increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic around schools, neighborhoods, and bus stops.

Why Back-to-School Season Is Particularly Dangerous

The return to school often brings increased pedestrian and bicycle activity around schools, neighborhoods, and bus stops, making it especially important for drivers to remain alert. Drivers who have grown accustomed to lighter summer traffic patterns may not be prepared for the increased presence of young people crossing streets, waiting at bus stops, and riding bicycles near schools and residential neighborhoods. Morning drop-off and dismissal periods create particularly high-risk windows, as do the afternoon hours when children are walking home or to after-school programs.

Children are also less predictable than adult pedestrians. They may dart into the road without looking, misjudge the speed of approaching vehicles, or cross at mid-block locations rather than marked crosswalks. Virginia law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians on a roadway. In school zones, reduced speed limits and enhanced penalties for certain violations reflect the importance of exercising additional caution when children may be present.

Virginia Law and Injured Child Pedestrians

When a child is struck by a vehicle, investigators review the circumstances surrounding the collision to determine what happened. Depending on the nature of the injuries and the facts established during the investigation, families may have legal options under Virginia law. Serious pedestrian and bicycle crashes can involve extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.

Claims involving injured children often involve unique legal considerations. Depending on the circumstances, families may have legal options through a pedestrian accident claim under Virginia law. Preserving evidence, obtaining medical records, and documenting the circumstances surrounding the crash can all be important while the investigation is ongoing.

Virginia’s Contributory Negligence Rule and Child Victims

Virginia’s contributory negligence rule can affect pedestrian and bicycle accident claims. The specific facts surrounding how a collision occurred may play an important role in determining a family’s legal options under Virginia law.

What Parents Should Do After a Child Is Struck

If your child is involved in a pedestrian or bicycle crash, seek prompt medical attention and follow the recommendations of treating medical professionals. If possible, preserve photographs, witness information, and other records related to the collision while the investigation continues.

If your child was injured in a pedestrian or bicycle crash in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, or anywhere in Hampton Roads, Breit Law is here to help your family pursue accountability and recovery. With more than 47 years of trial experience, William Breit has represented injured individuals and families throughout Hampton Roads. Contact us today.

Map of the Hampton Roads region served by Breit Law.