Each year, a large number of children are killed by motor vehicles. The NHTSA reports that approximately 2,000 children under the age of sixteen die each year in traffic accidents. There are some important safety tips for children on the road to follow in order to avoid being harmed in traffic accidents. While following this advice will not completely eliminate the possibility of a child being injured in an accident, it can reduce the rate at which these accidents occur.
Always Use Crosswalks
Children should be instructed to always cross the street at crosswalks. While drivers are supposed to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, not all drivers do, which is why you should also instruct your children to maintain eye contact with drivers while crossing the road.
Wear Bright Clothing
It is important that children who are playing on or near the road wear bright colored clothing so that they are spotted by nearby drivers. There is a significant risk that children who wear dark clothes will not be spotted by motor vehicle operators, which can lead to deadly accidents.
Know What Not to do
In the same way that it is a wise idea to teach children how to behave on the road, it is also important to make sure that children know what not to do. Some of the things that children should never do include crossing the street where it bends, playing too close to the road, crossing the street when a vehicle is approaching, crossing between stationary vehicles, playing on or near vehicles, and running in the road.
Look Both Ways
Many children tend to dart across the road without looking, which can lead to serious accidents. Teach your children to always remain observant when crossing the street, and to look both ways to ensure there is no oncoming traffic before crossing.
Speak with an Experienced Lawyer
When a child is injured in a car accident, it can be devastating. The family is often left to struggle with medical bills and lost wages from time missed from work. Contact Jay Trucks & Associates today to schedule an initial free consultation so that we can begin taking the steps necessary to make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your damages. With over 150 years of combined legal experience, our Michigan injury lawyers know how to deal with the insurance company to get you the maximum settlement.
