Young children are especially likely to find themselves involved in pedestrian accidents, and there are a number of reasons why kids walk on a daily basis. Some walk to school, while others may find themselves alongside the road to visit a friend, get exercise or play. There are a number of important tips to keep in mind if you are the parent of a young pedestrian, and you should make sure that they know how to stay safe.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has published an informative document which highlights some of the different ways that pedestrians can prevent an accident. For example, young children who enjoy playing sports should do so in areas that are not near traffic, since many pedestrian accidents have been caused by a child chasing a ball onto the road, for example. You should also make sure that your child stays on the crosswalk at all times and only attempts to cross the road in designated areas and at appropriate times.
Pedestrians should walk facing traffic, so that they are able to see vehicles traveling toward them. If a reckless driver veers off of the road, for example, a pedestrian may be able to react in time to avoid being struck by the driver. Unfortunately, even the most responsible pedestrians may be hit by a negligent driver, such as someone who is heavily intoxicated or driving over the speed limit. If your child was struck by a reckless driver while walking alongside the road, you should immediately explore various legal options that may be available.
