SAFETY TIPS TO TEACH KIDS TO AVOID PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS

Florida ranked as the second most deadly state for pedestrians in 2021, with an alarming 31% increase in deaths from the previous year.  Senior residents and children make up the majority of these accidents and injured victims.  

 

Many children are not mature enough to understand the consequences of walking or biking with friends on or along a road to the local park, playground, mall or anywhere else they might go.  Their impulsive behavior or distractions from mobile devices can further impair their ability to be aware of their surroundings and make good decisions.  

 

Parents, family members and caregivers can try to reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents by helping their children understand and practice safe pedestrian behaviors, including:

 

Walking Safely:

• If walking without an adult, teach them to stop, look twice in both directions, and listen for vehicles before crossing a road.  
• Walking hand in hand with an adult (if present) when crossing the street or through a parking lot.
• Instruct them to look for and always use the crosswalk or marked crossings at intersections if available.  
• Do not run into the road for any reason, including to retrieve a ball or any other object until verifying there is no traffic and the road is clear.
• Whenever possible, always walk on the sidewalk.
• Walk in a group of friends, whenever possible.
• Wear clothing with bright colors.
• Be alert and watching for cars backing out of driveways or parking spots, and vehicles that may be turning into or out of parking lots and intersections.

Taking Action Against Distraction:

• Pay attention!  Phones and other electronic devices should be put away when walking - especially when crossing a street!
• Listen!  Headphones should be removed or volume turned down before crossing the street.  Ideally, they should be able to hear the outside environment around them at all times.
• Be aware of others who may be distracted and speak up when you see someone who may be in danger.
• If kids must use a cell phone, teach them to find a safe area and stop walking when they talk.

Let Your Actions Speak as Loudly as Your Words:

• Be a good role model.  Set a good example by putting your phone, headphones and devices down when walking around cars.
• When driving, put cell phones and other distractions in the back seat or out of site until your final destination.
• Be especially alert and slow down when driving in residential neighborhoods and school zones.  Be on the lookout for bikers, walkers or runners who may be distracted or may step out into the street unexpectedly.  
• Give pedestrians the right of way and look both ways when making a turn to spot any bikers, walkers or runners who may not be immediately visible.

Distracted driving, speeding or reckless driving, accidents in school zones, school bus accidents, and DUI all play a role in the risks children face as pedestrians.

 

Whenever a child is injured in a pedestrian accident, they should seek medical attention even if they appear unharmed in case of non-visible or internal injuries.  If these injuries were caused by the negligence of someone else, parents should contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer to help determine whether or not a personal injury claim is appropriate, begin an investigation and preserve any available evidence.