Back-to-School Traffic in Kansas City: Why August Is Prime Time for Car Accidents

As summer winds down and families across Kansas City prepare for the return to school, one issue rises alongside sharpened pencils and packed backpacks: traffic. Every August, road congestion spikes as thousands of students head back to classrooms—and with it comes an uptick in car accidents.

The back-to-school season brings a perfect storm of risk factors: increased vehicles on the road, distracted driving, pedestrian traffic, and drivers unfamiliar with school zone rules. Whether you’re a parent, a commuter, or a young driver, understanding why August is a high-risk month can help you avoid collisions—and know what to do if one happens.

Why Car Accidents Increase in August

1. School Zones Reactivate After Summer

Many school zones sit dormant over the summer. Once August arrives, those zones come alive with flashing lights, lowered speed limits, and children crossing the street. Drivers who’ve grown accustomed to normal speed limits may miss—or ignore—these changes, resulting in rear-end collisions, speeding tickets, or worse: pedestrian injuries.

In Missouri, school zone violations can carry enhanced penalties. Even if you’re not at fault for an accident, failure to observe school zone laws could affect your claim.

2. More Traffic During Peak Hours

Morning and afternoon rush hours in Kansas City grow even busier during the school year. In August, drop-off and pick-up lines return, adding congestion around neighborhood schools, bus stops, and intersections near residential areas.

Drivers in a hurry may weave through traffic, ignore stop signs, or fail to yield—common causes of car accidents. Students walking or biking to school may also behave unpredictably, increasing the risk of pedestrian collisions.

3. Teen Drivers Are Back on the Roads

New and inexperienced drivers—many of them teenagers—flood the roads each August as they return to high school. Some may be driving alone for the first time, others with passengers, all contributing to an increased accident risk.

Limited driving experience combined with school-year stress, distractions, and peer pressure can lead to risky behavior behind the wheel.

4. Driver Distractions Multiply

Parents juggling carpool duties, students adjusting to new routines, and commuters dealing with busier roads all share a common risk: distraction. Whether it’s texting, adjusting a GPS, handing something to a child, or even just mentally reviewing the day ahead, distracted driving is a top contributor to car accidents in Kansas City each August.

Common Back-to-School Accident Scenarios

Understanding where and how back-to-school crashes typically occur can help you stay alert:

• Parking lot fender benders: School parking areas are crowded and chaotic. Low-speed crashes involving other vehicles or pedestrians are common.
• Rear-end collisions near bus stops: Drivers may brake unexpectedly when school buses activate stop arms.
• Intersection crashes: Students crossing streets or drivers making left turns without proper visibility can lead to T-bone or side-impact accidents.
• Bike and pedestrian accidents: Children walking or biking to school may dart into roads or cross outside of designated areas.

Legal Considerations After a School-Related Accident

1. Determining Fault in School Zones

Liability in school-related crashes can be complex. If a driver was speeding through a school zone, distracted, or failed to yield to pedestrians, they may be held responsible. However, even partial fault can reduce your compensation under Missouri’s comparative fault system.

Missouri allows for shared liability, meaning your recovery could be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.

2. Accidents Involving Minors

If a teen driver caused the accident, their parents may be held responsible under Missouri law, depending on the circumstances. If your child is injured, the legal process often includes medical documentation, potential school or district involvement, and liability evaluations.

3. School Bus and District Vehicles

Crashes involving school buses or district-operated vehicles introduce added legal complexity. Claims against public school districts or government entities often involve specific procedures and shorter time limits.

If you or your child is involved in one of these types of accidents, it’s important to understand that standard insurance claims may not apply, and a different process may be required.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Back-to-School Crash

Whether you’re hit in a school zone or rear-ended in a drop-off line, here are a few steps to protect your rights:

1. Call 911 and report the accident. This creates an official record.
2. Document everything. Take photos, collect witness information, and write down what happened while it’s still fresh.
3. Seek medical care. Even if injuries seem minor, documentation matters—and symptoms can develop later.
4. Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters too soon. You’re not required to give a recorded statement immediately.
5. Know your time limits. Missouri generally allows five years to file a personal injury claim, but school district-related claims can have much shorter deadlines.

Tips for Staying Safe in Kansas City School Zones

• Plan extra time for your commute. Rushing increases the risk of aggressive driving.
• Obey all school zone signs and speed limits. Fines and liability increase in marked areas.
• Watch for kids—always. Children can be unpredictable near roads and buses.
• Stay off your phone. Missouri’s hands-free law prohibits texting and driving and enforcement may increase near schools.
• Respect bus stop laws. Never pass a stopped school bus with flashing lights and an extended stop arm.

August marks more than just the return of backpacks and class schedules—it also signals one of the most dangerous months on Kansas City roads. Increased traffic, distracted drivers, and teen commuters all contribute to a seasonal rise in accidents, particularly around schools.

If you or your child are involved in a crash during the back-to-school season, knowing your legal rights and next steps can make all the difference. Aramjoo Law Firm is here for you. Contact us today at (816) 479-5898 or online to schedule your free consultation