With over 60,000 serious injuries and nearly 4,000 deaths each year, pedestrian accidents are occurring at an alarming rate. What’s even more shocking is the rate at which these accidents are affecting younger populations.
In order to understand the causes of pedestrian accidents and how to prevent them, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has conducted a great deal of research on the topic. The results of this research are staggering:
- In 2009, an estimated 59,000 pedestrians were injured.
- Of the 59,000 pedestrians injured, 13,000 of them were 14 or younger.
- In 2009, there were 1,900 fatalities among pedestrians ages 0-14.
Looking at these statistics, it is clear that pedestrian accidents involving children present an immediate danger to young children. In order to address these staggering statistics, immediate action must be taken.
As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your child, especially in areas where cars or large vehicles are present. There are a number of important things you can do to ensure their safety, including:
- Teach them the rules: It is dangerous to assume that children know pedestrian rules and etiquette. Teach and repeat rules to them, even ones that seem obvious.
- Walk with your child: Even the most mature children don’t have the mental capacity to make safe decisions. An adult should always accompany children under the age of ten, especially when walking to and from school.
- Set the example: Follow all pedestrian rules and set a positive example that your kids will want to follow.
If your child has been hurt as the result of a negligent driver, you may be able to recover damages for your related costs. To learn more about your rights as a victim, speak with a Fort Lauderdale accident attorney.
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