The school year brings familiar routines for Nashua families: early alarms, packed lunches, and busy morning drop-offs. But it also brings something else: a sharp increase in car crash risk. As traffic builds near schools and distracted drivers flood the roads, families are more likely to find themselves in dangerous situations.
Car crashes are never convenient, but when they happen during the back-to-school rush, they tend to be chaotic, stressful, and potentially serious. Here’s what families in Nashua need to know about the risks, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Why School Traffic Can Be Dangerous
Nashua’s school zones are active, congested, and full of distractions. Between student drivers, tired parents, buses, and unpredictable weather, the risk of a car crash increases significantly during the school year, especially in the mornings and late afternoons.
The most dangerous times of day are between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. When parents are rushing to work, kids are running late, and buses are making constant stops, one bad decision can lead to a crash.
Speeding is a major factor. Despite flashing school zone signs and lower limits, many drivers ignore posted speeds. Others miss signs entirely while adjusting their GPS or dealing with a screaming toddler in the back seat. It only takes a second of distraction for a rear-end collision or pedestrian-related crash to occur.
It’s not just other people who are at risk, your own children are vulnerable. Whether they’re crossing streets, walking through parking lots, or riding in your car, they face added danger when drivers around them aren’t paying attention.
To reduce your risk:
- Always obey school zone speed limits, even if you don’t see a crossing guard
- Watch for kids near intersections, especially those without sidewalks
- Avoid U-turns and erratic stops near school drop-off zones
These small steps can prevent a serious crash and protect someone else’s child too.
Distracted Drivers Are Everywhere
Multitasking behind the wheel is a recipe for disaster. During the back-to-school rush, distracted driving becomes even more common. Whether it’s a parent trying to juggle coffee, GPS, and a toddler in the backseat, or a teen texting about first-day nerves, attention spans are short, and the roads are full.
In Nashua, car crashes caused by distracted driving are a year-round issue, but they peak in August and September. If you're behind the wheel:
- Put the phone down. No text is worth a collision.
- Pull over before checking a map or returning a call.
- If your child is upset or arguing in the back, find a safe spot to stop.
Remember, the person who hits you might not be paying attention either. If you're involved in a crash, it’s critical to document everything immediately, even if it seems minor. Having an attorney who understands how these cases work in New Hampshire can make all the difference in what happens next.
What to Do After a Crash Near a School
Even with precautions, crashes happen. If you’re involved in a car crash near a school, the steps you take afterward matter more than you think, especially when children are present or other families are involved.
First, make sure everyone is safe and call 911 immediately. Even if the crash seems minor, police should be involved. This is especially true in school zones, where heightened scrutiny is common. Officers will document the scene, take witness statements, and help ensure your version of events is preserved in the official report.
If your child was in the car, have them checked out by medical personnel. Kids are often shaken after a crash, and their injuries aren’t always obvious. That goes for adults too. Back, neck, and head injuries can take hours or days to surface. The earlier you seek care, the better it is for your health and your case. For a deeper look at what to expect after a crash in New Hampshire, earn about your rights and responsibilities step by step.
Next, document everything:
- Take photos of damage to all vehicles involved
- Photograph the street signs, crosswalks, and school zone indicators
- Get contact information for any witnesses, including other parents or crossing guards
- Exchange insurance info with the other driver, but do not apologize or admit fault
Finally, notify your insurance company, but don’t give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurer. Their goal is to minimize payouts, and they may try to get you to say something that weakens your claim. Before you do anything else, contact an attorney who knows how to handle school zone crashes in Nashua.
Call Buckley Before the Insurance Company Calls You
At Buckley Law Offices, we help families recover from car crashes, without dragging it out. If you or your child were hurt in a school zone or back-to-school traffic crash, don’t wait to get help. Buckley Law Offices, located in Nashua, is ready to guide your family every step of the way.
Call Buckley right now and let’s take care of this together, so you can get back to what matters.
