With millions of California students officially back in school, traffic safety should also be on every parent and child supervisor’s back-to-school list. Too often, we hear tragic stories of children walking in a crosswalk on the way to or from school getting hit bar a car, suffering severe and sometimes life-threatening injuries. With instances of texting and driving on the rise, even though it is against the law, it is especially important to teach our children street safety tips. And yes, scrolling through Instagram or Facebook while driving is also considered distracted driving. If your child was injured in an auto accident or pedestrian accident caused by a distracted driver, contact an experienced accident attorney.
Traffic Dangers Children Face
One of the biggest safety threats that our children face as they head back to school is auto accidents. You may think that having your child walk to school reduces the risk, and while it is good exercise for them, the truth is that children are in danger of being hit by a vehicle whether they walk, bike, or ride carpool to school. Indeed, a recent study shows that auto accidents are the leading cause of death for children ages three and older.
Children are more exposed to traffic dangers for several reasons, including:
- Size – they are generally smaller and less visible to drivers.
- Peripheral vision – a child’s peripheral vision is 1/3 narrower than an adult’s
- Inexperience – children do not have the life experience of managing traffic situations
- Distraction – children are often easily distracted, especially when surrounded by their peers
Tips for Traffic Safety
The best thing a parent can do is lead by example, including when it comes to traffic safety. Parents should avoid texting and driving at all times, particularly when their children are in the car. Not only is texting and driving against the law, but it is responsible for over 1,600,000 accidents each year. Experts say that texting and driving is more dangerous than driving with a blindfold on.
Next, teach your child smart walking and bicycling habits. This can include walking on sidewalks, only crossing in designated crosswalks, looking both ways before you cross, and, when riding a bike, wearing a helmet. More on child helmet safety here.
If your child has been injured in a car accident, know that California law is on your side. To discuss your legal rights and potential for financial recovery after your child was injured in an accident, contact personal injury attorney Barry P. Goldberg today.
