Children At Danger From Vehicles

Injuries to Children

On average, 12,175 children under the age of 19 die each year from unintentional injuries.  These injuries and deaths occur in countless ways.  The most common include car accidents, being struck as a pedestrian, and trip and falls.  However, there are many other, less common, ways in which a child can be injured or killed – such as failing to properly secure furniture or drowning due to inadequate or improperly trained staff.

Children As Pedestrians

According to AAA, nearly 1 out of 4 child pedestrian fatalities occurred between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.  In 2016, the NHTSA documented 2,466 children killed in motor vehicle crashes.  Of that amount, 490 children, or almost 20%, were struck and killed as pedestrians by vehicles.  So what does this tell us?

The study conducted by AAA correlates with the times when children are typically returning home from school or after-school activities.  With so many children being struck and/or killed, it is apparent that both drivers and children are not paying close enough attention to each other.

Both drivers and children need to understand the duties each owes each other.  Drivers especially must take extra precautions when children are present in the area.

Protecting Children As Pedestrians

Drivers, parents and children all play a role in the safety of children.  That role can always be improved up.  Some ways to help prevent child pedestrian injuries include:

* Following the posted speed limit signs

* Coming to a full and complete stop at all stop signs

* Continuously looking around to make sure there are no children running into the roadway.

* Checking blind spots regularly, especially if backing up.

* Putting down your phone or other distractions so you can focus on the roadway and potential hazards.

* Teaching your child about the danger of vehicles on the roadway

* Teaching your child about looking both ways before entering a roadway

* Walking the route your child takes to better learn of the hazards they face

Get Your Free Child Injury Case Review Today

If your child has been injured, call me at 407.216.2000 or click HERE for a free case review.  I have helped many child injury victims and their families find their justice and I would be honored to help you as well.