Back-to-School Traffic: Keeping Kids Safe in Maine Crosswalks
As the school year begins, traffic patterns across Maine change overnight. School buses return to their routes, parents rush to drop off kids, and children once again fill sidewalks and crosswalks near campuses. Unfortunately, this busy time also brings a sharp increase in pedestrian accidents, many involving children walking or biking to school.
Back-to-school season is supposed to be exciting — not dangerous. Yet each year, police departments across Maine report multiple crashes caused by distracted, speeding, or impatient drivers near school zones. These accidents are almost always preventable.
At Peter Thompson & Associates, we see the devastating consequences of careless driving firsthand. Understanding the risks — and how to prevent them — can help protect Maine’s children and save lives.
The Back-to-School Traffic Surge
When school starts, traffic congestion spikes, especially between 7:00 and 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. Buses, carpool lines, and student pedestrians all converge in tight areas where one mistake can cause a serious crash.
Even in smaller towns like Brunswick, Windham, or Augusta, local roads near schools experience sudden slowdowns. Drivers who don’t anticipate these changes — or who try to rush through them — often put kids at risk.
Data from the Maine Department of Transportation shows that pedestrian crashes tend to rise in late August and September, coinciding with the start of the school year. Children ages 5 to 14 are among the most vulnerable because they may misjudge vehicle speeds or step into the street unexpectedly.
Common Causes of School Zone Accidents
Many back-to-school collisions share the same preventable causes:
- Distracted driving: Texting, using GPS, or eating while driving.
- Speeding: Failing to slow down in marked school zones or near crosswalks.
- Illegal passing: Ignoring stopped school buses or crossing guards.
- Unsafe turns: Not checking for pedestrians before turning at intersections.
- Failure to yield: Drivers rushing through crosswalks when children have the right of way.
Even a moment’s distraction can lead to tragedy. A vehicle traveling just 25 mph can cover more than 35 feet per second— more than enough distance to hit a child crossing the street.
Maine’s School Zone and Crosswalk Laws
Maine law strictly regulates driving behavior near schools. Drivers must:
- Reduce speed to 15 mph in active school zones when children are present.
- Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Stop when a school bus extends its stop arm or displays flashing red lights — in both directions of travel (unless separated by a median).
Violating these laws can result in fines, license suspension, and even criminal charges if a child is injured. Beyond the legal consequences, these crashes cause lifelong emotional harm to families and communities.
Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable
When a driver hits a child or pedestrian in a crosswalk, they can be held liable for all resulting injuries and losses. A personal injury claim can help families recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Long-term care needs
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In severe cases involving reckless or drunk driving, Maine courts may also award punitive damages to punish the driver and deter future misconduct.
At Peter Thompson & Associates, our attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts, eyewitnesses, and school officials to uncover exactly what happened. We fight to hold negligent drivers — and their insurers — accountable for the harm they cause.
Tips for Drivers: Preventing Crosswalk Tragedies
Every driver can help make Maine’s school zones safer. A few simple precautions go a long way:
- Slow down — obey posted school zone speed limits.
- Stay alert — watch for children walking, biking, or getting off buses.
- Avoid distractions — put your phone away before starting the car.
- Yield to crossing guards and pedestrians every time.
- Be patient — expect delays during school drop-off and dismissal hours.
- Plan ahead — leave a few extra minutes to avoid rushing.
Children often act unpredictably, especially near schools. The responsibility to prevent harm always falls on the driver.
A Community Effort
Protecting children requires cooperation among drivers, schools, and parents. Schools can help by clearly marking crosswalks, posting crossing guards, and reminding students about safety. Parents can reinforce the message by teaching kids to:
- Look both ways before crossing.
- Use crosswalks and sidewalks.
- Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the road.
- Avoid using phones or earbuds while walking near traffic.
When everyone does their part, Maine’s roads become safer for the youngest and most vulnerable members of our communities.
If a Child Is Injured in a Crosswalk Accident
A child’s injury is every parent’s worst nightmare. If your family faces that reality, you don’t have to face it alone.
At Peter Thompson & Associates, we represent families across Maine whose children have been hurt by negligent drivers. Our team investigates each case thoroughly, negotiates with insurance companies, and fights for full and fair compensation.
We understand that no legal outcome can undo the harm — but justice and accountability can help families heal.
Call Peter Thompson & Associates today for a free consultation. Our attorneys are here to protect your rights, your family, and your child’s future.