Some of the most tragic and upsetting personal injury cases involve children.
Like everyone else, children can be the victims of accidents caused by the negligence of another. Often, children are injured passengers in car accidents.
But in Florida, children are also at high risk for pedestrian accidents. Florida has the unhappy ranking as being one of the most deadly states in the nation for pedestrian accidents.
Of course, a pedestrian accident can happen in any number of ways, but there are some common causes of child pedestrian accidents in Florida.
Below, we will look at a few of those common causes.
Pedestrians are More Likely to Suffer Death if Hit by a Car
Because they have no protection at all, it is not surprising that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that pedestrians are twice as likely to die if hit by a car than passengers involved in a car crash.
The speed at which the car is travelling is a determinative factor in the death of a pedestrian. Pedestrians who are hit by cars travelling at a speed of 30 mph or more are far more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries or die from the impact.
Children, because of their size, are even more likely to suffer death from the impact of a car.
What Are Some Common Causes of Child Pedestrian Accidents?
While a car accident can happen in many ways, there are some common ways in which child pedestrian accidents tend to occur.
Both pedestrians and drivers contribute to pedestrian accidents.
Drivers often drive too fast in places, like school crossings, where they can expect pedestrians to be walking.
In many instances, drivers are distracted while driving — either texting or talking on the phone, eating or putting on makeup etc.
But pedestrians contribute to accidents too.
Children walking to school are generally at the most risk for a child pedestrian accident.
Poor visibility is a main cause of child pedestrian accidents. Because children are so small, they are often difficult for drivers to see. Wearing bright colored clothing can help make a child more visible to passenger cars.
The unpredictability of children also contributes to pedestrian accidents. Children will often simply dart into the street or out from behind parked cars. Drivers in school crossing areas or other areas where children are walking should remain especially vigilant and drive with caution.
Speaking of unpredictability, children don’t always cross at the cross walk, and this too can lead to accidents. Young children don’t always understand or appreciate the risk of crossing in the middle of the road and drivers aren’t always prepared for the unexpected. Drivers need to stay vigilant at all times of course, but young children, especially those who will be walking to school regularly, should be taught to respect the rules of the road and to only cross at intersections.
Child pedestrian accidents are tragic and heartbreaking. Both drivers and children can do their part to prevent child pedestrian accidents.
Here For You When You Need Us.
Our team of personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping those who are injured through the negligence of another. If you have been injured due to the negligence of another, contact us or call the firm at 777-JOHN. Our main office is in Orange Park, but we serve clients throughout Florida. We have consulting offices in Palatka, Middleburg, Keystone, Starke, Gainesville, and Ocala.
