Back to School, Back to Safety: National Traffic Awareness Month in Mesa, AZ

The air is buzzing with excitement—and a touch of anxiety—as families across Mesa, Arizona gear up for the back-to-school season. Children are packing their backpacks, parents are juggling schedules, and traffic patterns are shifting dramatically. That’s why August, National Traffic Awareness Month, couldn’t come at a better time. As Mesa’s streets swell with school buses, student drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, it’s a critical moment to pause and refocus on traffic safety.

 

At Branham Law, your trusted Mesa traffic accident attorney , we’re passionate about protecting our community—especially its youngest members—as they return to school. Here's how you can do your part to keep Mesa roads safe this season.

Watch for Children on the Move

With schools back in session, neighborhoods and school zones in Mesa—like those near Dobson High School or Franklin East Elementary —see a sharp increase in foot and bike traffic. Children may not always follow predictable patterns, especially younger students who can dart into the street unexpectedly.

Tips for Drivers:

• Slow down in residential areas and near schools.

• Always yield at crosswalks.

• Avoid distractions like cell phones.

Tips for Parents:

• Teach your kids to use designated crosswalks.

• Emphasize the importance of helmet safety when biking.

• Encourage awareness, especially around busy intersections like Southern Ave & Gilbert Rd.

Respect School Buses—It’s the Law

Arizona law requires drivers to stop when a school bus extends its stop sign—no exceptions. Yet every year, tragic accidents happen due to impatient or unaware drivers. In school-heavy areas like Westwood and Red Mountain Ranch, vigilance is vital.

 

Remember: Passing a stopped school bus is not only dangerous—it’s illegal.

Navigating Mesa’s Busy School Zones

Drop-off and pick-up times can transform calm neighborhoods into bumper-to-bumper traffic jams. This is especially true around schools like Mesa High or Longfellow Elementary. Patience and courtesy go a long way during these hectic windows.

If you're ever involved in a school zone accident in Mesa, contact Branham Law at 480-782-9700. We’re here to help you understand your rights and navigate any legal complexities.

Give Student Drivers Some Grace

For many teenagers in Mesa, this school year marks their first behind the wheel. These inexperienced drivers are adjusting to real-world conditions—often with a car full of peers and distractions.

If you see a student driver, be kind. Give them space and time to react. Their safety—and yours—depends on mutual respect.

Make Safety a Shared Responsibility

From downtown Mesa to neighborhoods like Las Sendas and Eastmark, road safety starts with all of us. Whether you're a driver, parent, pedestrian, or cyclist, staying aware and leading by example helps protect the whole community.

At Branham Law, we believe safety shouldn't just be seasonal. But if an accident happens, don’t navigate it alone. As experienced Mesa personal injury attorneys, we’re here to advocate for you.

Contact Branham Law Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic-related incident—especially during the back-to-school rush—call Branham Law at 480-782-9700 or visit derekhayslaw.com . We serve clients throughout Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and the greater Phoenix area.

Let’s make this school year a safe one for every Mesa family.