It’s been a difficult few weeks for Fairfax County families.
On September 1, a 16-year-old South Lakes High School student was struck by a car while walking to school in Reston. Eight days later, three more students were hit in separate crashes across the county in a single day. One of them, a 13-year-old boy riding his bike home from Frost Middle School, was killed.
Today, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to restore funding for crossing guards at 10 public high schools, reversing a budget decision that had sparked safety concerns since April.
But crossing guards are only part of the solution. As students settle into the school year, parents and drivers throughout Fairfax County need to stay vigilant.
What Happened This Month
The string of crashes began on the first day of September. A 16-year-old student was crossing the street near South Lakes High School in Reston when he was struck by a vehicle just before 8 a.m. He was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The driver was cited for failing to stop before entering the roadway.
Less than two weeks later, tragedy struck again. On September 9, a 13-year-old boy was riding his bike home from Frost Middle School along Pickett Road when he was hit by a large truck leaving a shopping center. Despite wearing a helmet, he did not survive.
That same day, two other Fairfax County students were hit by vehicles while riding bicycles or scooters near their schools. Both survived, but the incidents sent shockwaves through the community.
Why This Keeps Happening
School zones are uniquely dangerous environments. Hundreds of students converge on a single location within a narrow window of time, many of them distracted, rushing, or unfamiliar with traffic patterns. Add crowded parking lots, bus lanes, parent drop-off lines, and teen drivers to the mix, and the potential for accidents increases dramatically.
Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis noted that parking lots have become increasingly crowded, forcing some students to cross busy roads after being dropped off outside school property.
A 2025 report from Northern Virginia Families for Safe Streets found that 21 percent of all pedestrian and bicycle crashes in Northern Virginia resulted in death or serious injury.
Tips for Parents
Walk the route. If your child walks or bikes to school, walk the route together before the school year starts. Identify safe crossing points and discuss what to do at intersections.
Make them visible. Reflective gear, bright colors, and lights on bikes and scooters help drivers see your child, especially in early morning or late afternoon.
Set ground rules for e-scooters and bikes. Make sure your child knows to ride on sidewalks where permitted, cross at crosswalks, and never assume a driver sees them.
Talk about distractions. Headphones and phones are major hazards. Students need to be fully aware of their surroundings when crossing streets.
Tips for Drivers
Slow down in school zones. Virginia law requires drivers to reduce speed in school zones when children are present. Fines double for violations in these areas.
Stop for school buses. When a school bus displays its stop sign and flashing red lights, all traffic in both directions must stop. Passing a stopped school bus is a serious offense in Virginia.
Watch for pedestrians everywhere. Students don’t always cross at crosswalks. Scan sidewalks, parking lots, and side streets for children on foot or on bikes.
Put down your phone. Virginia’s hands-free law prohibits holding a phone while driving. A split-second distraction can change lives forever.
If Your Child Is Injured
No parent wants to imagine their child being hurt on the way to school. But if the unthinkable happens, knowing your next steps can make a difference.
Get medical attention immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, some symptoms don’t appear right away.
Document everything. Take photos of the scene, your child’s injuries, and any damage to bikes, scooters, or clothing. Get contact information from witnesses.
File a police report. A police report creates an official record of the incident, which is critical for any insurance claim or legal action.
Don’t sign anything from insurance companies. Adjusters may reach out quickly with settlement offers. Before accepting anything, understand your child’s full medical needs and your legal rights.
Moving Forward Together
The Board of Supervisors’ decision to restore crossing guards is an important step, but it’s not the last one. A new task force involving Fairfax County Police, FCPS, and VDOT will examine broader safety improvements to roadways and school transportation.
In the meantime, all of us, parents, drivers, and community members, have a role to play in keeping Fairfax County students safe.
At Hilton & Somer, our hearts go out to every family affected by these recent tragedies. If your child has been injured in a car accident or pedestrian incident, our Fairfax personal injury attorneys are here to help you understand your options.
Questions? Contact us or call (703) 560-0700 for a free consultation.
References
- FFXnow – “Fairfax supervisors restore crossing guard funding after residents rally for action” (September 15, 2026)
- NBC Washington – “13-year-old hit and killed while riding bike near Fairfax school” (September 9, 2026)
