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Back To School Safety Tips

August 19, 2021 By John Torgenson

For the next four months of the year, between the hours of 8am and 3pm Monday through Friday, parents around the country will be enjoying their annual extended vacation. That’s right, summer is at its end and school is back in session.

All joking aside, welcome back students! At Torgenson Law, we are proud alumni of our universities and high schools, and we know how exciting it can be to start a new chapter of your life whether you’re in elementary school, middle school, high school, or college. Moving into dorms, the first day of classes, football season, and making new friends are just some of the things a new school year has in store for all of you. Of course, we all know last year was quite chaotic with Zoom classes, learning from home, and the like. This year, as we return to a semblance of normalcy, there are a few health and safety tips to keep in mind on top of those related to to COVID-19.

As Arizona Injury Lawyers, we recognize that there are few things more important than education. As part of our mission, we strive to not only provide effective legal representation, but to also keep you informed regarding your legal rights and educate you in ways that help you avoid personal injuries altogether. 

It will surprise few to learn that most morning automobile crashes occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Even less surprising is that the majority of all daily car crashes occur between 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Most will likely associate these time periods as morning and evening rush hours. It is no secret that when more cars are on the road, more crashes are likely to occur. 

However, one may not be aware that these daily car crashes rise drastically during September through May of the following year. On average in Arizona, there are more than 1800 more car crashes per month when school is in session. The explanation is simple: there are more drivers and more distractions on the roadways. Parents and bus drivers are distracted by their kids in their vehicles; teenagers are texting and driving on their way to school; pedestrians and cyclists are more abundant;  and tempers flare as traffic increases. Even if you are following every traffic law in the book, you must remember highway and road dangers are out there and even more frequent during the school year.

We simply ask that you be vigilant and attentive when driving yourself or your children to and from school each day. Unfortunately, we, as Arizona personal injury lawyers understand that accidents will happen. Nonetheless, if you are injured in a car accident, we will fight for your rights to full and fair compensation.  That being said, we hope you never have to call us.  

Of course, we cannot forget our Sun Devils, who are just getting used to their new class schedules at Arizona State University and many who are likely attending their first in-person classes in over a year. Living on your own can be intimidating and difficult at times, but it should also be fun, as you begin your journey to adulthood.  While we want all of you to thoroughly enjoy your time in college, we also want to make sure you make responsible decisions to stay safe. The freedom of college life can make young adults feel invincible. However, you must remember that there can and will be repercussions for irresponsible actions. 

With Uber and Lyft being so readily acceptable, there is simply no excuse to drink and drive after tailgating or a night out in Tempe, Phoenix, or Scottsdale. Also, always be aware of your surroundings. With so many students and employees on campus, whether in Tempe or Downtown, there are several distractions or risks that could put you in harms way. As pedestrians or bicyclists, pay attention to street signs and crosswalk signs, and be on the lookout for reckless drivers. If you are driving your car near or on campus, be on the lookout for students and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks. 

Personal injuries can happen anywhere and to anyone. It is your job to take necessary precautions to protect you and your loved ones from injuries. This includes remaining aware of the dangers that coincide with your daily lives. 

However, if you or a loved one is injured, we are here for you. We will stop at nothing to ensure your legal rights are adequately represented and your losses are appropriately compensated. If you suffer a personal injury, call Torgenson Law at (602) 726-0747. We will do our homework and protect your rights and interests.

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John Torgenson

John Torgenson is a highly experienced personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of practice in Arizona. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame. John has a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, including an $8.25 million recovery for a gunshot injury victim. His expertise has earned him AVVO ratings and recognition as a Super Lawyer.

John is also a sought-after lecturer on personal injury law, sharing his extensive knowledge with peers and aspiring attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, John is an avid golfer and actively supports organizations like the Military Assistance Mission, Arizona School for the Arts, Page Balloon Regatta, University of Arizona Foundation, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and the Tim Huff Pro Bono Golf Classic.

Passionate about advocating for injury victims, John dedicates his career to battling insurance companies and corporate interests, ensuring that the rights of those who are hurt are vigorously defended.