Dive Brief:
-
A new study looks at how distracted drivers are making the roads unsafe for students and parents walking to and from school, reports CBS News.
-
The study, conducted by Zendrive, lists Kings and Queens counties in New York, San Francisco County in California and Miami-Dade County in Florida among those where the roads surrounding schools are most dangerous, noting that most of the time — 88% — cell phone use and texting is the reason why drivers are not paying attention.
-
Parents and school leaders can use the information from the study to speak with police officials about devising strategies for increasing safety in the areas around schools.
Dive Insight:
Zendrive offers an interactive map, which administrators can use to look at the level of unsafe driving near their schools. The researchers also measured hard breaking and fast acceleration.
The findings suggest that school administrators should closely monitor what’s happening outside of their school buildings as well as what happens on campus, and to reinforce safe driving habits among teens, who could be some of the drivers taking risks near schools.
Some schools distribute maps to families, detailing where there are more likely to be crossing guards and traffic lights. Many elementary schools work with parents and other volunteers to organize "walking school bus" programs. The Safe Routes to School National Partnership works to encourage students walking and riding bicycles to school. Community members who get involved in such initiatives are often motivated by increasing healthy activity among children as well as creating a “safe infrastructure.”