Mark A. Eisenberg | September 8, 2026 | General Information
Back-to-school season changes the rhythm of Madison’s streets almost overnight. School buses return to their routes, students walk and bike to class, and thousands of UW–Madison students arrive on campus. Morning commutes that felt routine during the summer can suddenly become much busier.
A little extra patience can go a long way. Whether you are driving to work, dropping off a child, or heading to class, paying closer attention can help everyone get where they are going safely.
UW–Madison’s main fall residence hall move-in wrapped up Aug. 31, 2026, after nearly 9,000 new and returning students arrived on campus. While the move-in rush may be ending, its impact on Madison traffic is just beginning.
The first few weeks of the semester can be especially busy as new students learn their routes around Madison. Students may be crossing unfamiliar streets, biking to class, or navigating crowded intersections for the first time. Families may also remain in the area after helping students settle into residence halls.
Drivers should allow extra time when traveling near campus and pay close attention around residence halls, crosswalks, bike lanes, and busy intersections. Slowing down, putting the phone away, and expecting more foot and bicycle traffic can help reduce the risk of car, pedestrian, or bicycle accidents as Madison settles into its new school-year routine.
UW–Madison is only part of the back-to-school traffic picture. Madison Metropolitan School District students also return in early September.
That means more activity around schools throughout the city. East, La Follette, Memorial, and West high schools all begin at 8:15 a.m., while middle schools such as O’Keeffe and Hamilton begin at 9 a.m. Elementary school schedules vary even more.
Drivers passing through these areas should:
These precautions matter because children do not always behave predictably around traffic. A student may hurry across a street to catch a bus or step out from between parked cars. Drivers should be ready for the unexpected.
For many Madison students, getting to class does not involve a car or school bus. Some walk or bike to schools such as West, East, O’Keeffe, Hamilton, or one of the city’s many elementary schools. UW–Madison students also share busy downtown and campus streets with cars, buses, bikes, and scooters.
Families can help younger students choose a safe route before the first day. When possible, students should use sidewalks and marked crossings and avoid routes with poor visibility.
Pedestrians should look in every direction before entering the road, even when they have the right of way. Bicyclists should ride predictably, follow applicable traffic rules, and make sure their bicycles have the required lighting and reflectors when riding after dark.
Even a careful student or driver can be injured because of someone else’s actions. After a traffic accident, the first priority should be to get to a safe location and seek appropriate medical care.
Depending on the circumstances, it may also help to report the crash, exchange relevant information, identify witnesses, and document the scene if it is safe to do so. Photos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and visible injuries may preserve useful information about what happened.
Most importantly, do not let the stress of the moment distract from an injury. Some symptoms may not be obvious right away, particularly after a frightening collision.
Back-to-school season should be about new classes, new routines, and seeing familiar faces again. Unfortunately, a traffic accident can quickly turn an ordinary school day into a difficult experience for a student and their family.
Eisenberg Personal Injury Lawyers helps people injured in traffic accidents in Madison and throughout Wisconsin. Call one of our experienced Madison personal injury lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Dane County, Jefferson County, Sauk County, Rock County, Columbia County, and their surrounding areas.
Eisenberg Personal Injury Lawyers – Madison
121 S. Pinckney St. Suite 400, Madison, WI 53703
(608) 256-8356
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Madison, WI
Get a free consultation.
No obligations.
