Keeping Your Children Safe Near Roads
Warmer weather and summer vacation are quickly approaching, which means children all over the country will be spending more time outside. While the fresh air is ideal for their health, several risks can come with it. For example, having balls roll into the street or bicycling in the neighborhood could have potentially dangerous consequences.
Alarming Child Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Pedestrian safety is essential at any age, but young children may not even know they are in danger. Safe Kids Worldwide® analyzed 2019 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to highlight this issue. They reported:
- 15,011 non-fatal and 359 fatal injuries.
- There was a weekly average of 296 injuries.
- 64% of these incidents involved males.
- Children aged 12-19 are nearly three times more likely to sustain fatal injuries.
- Black/African American children are more than twice as likely to sustain fatal injuries.
Fatality rates also coincide with child-centered events. March (spring break), July (Fourth of July), September (back to school), and October (Halloween) had the highest child pedestrian fatality rates during the year.
Tips for Teaching Pedestrian Safety
Fortunately, there are many ways parents can encourage pedestrian safety early on. One of the best ways to do this is by going on walks as a family and modeling these safer behaviors. You can focus on:
- Identifying crosswalks and what the different traffic signals mean
- Holding your child's hand when crossing the street
- Looking both ways (twice)
- Making active eye contact with drivers when crossing
- Walking on the left side of the road if no sidewalks are present
- Reminding children to not dart into the street or cross between parked cars
- Walking without a cellular device
If in a neighborhood with sidewalks that connect to driveways, it's also a good idea to teach children how to identify when a car is backing up. Playing an active role in your child’s safety can help them learn and practice these behaviors effectively.
Martin Jean & Jackson is here for families in their time of need following a car accident that leaves their loved one injured. If you need legal assistance for pursuing a personal injury claim, we can help. Schedule a free consultation by calling .
