When it comes to Chicago pedestrian accidents, children are at high risk. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14. Every day in the United States, an average of 5 children under 14 are killed and more than 500 injured by a motor vehicle.
The Chicago child injury attorneys and the Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers at Abels & Annes urge parents to discuss traffic safety with their children early and often.
In 2007, a total of 1,670 children were killed and 200,000 were injured in Chicago car accidents. In many cases, the child is a pedestrian.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers excellent advice to parents and adults working with children to learn proper roadway and pedestrian safety.
Advice for parents and caregivers of elementary school children:
-Cross at the corner or at an intersection.
-Stop at the edge of parked cars, the curb, or other vehicles.
-Look left-right-left (left is most important because it is the traffic direction closest to you.)
-Continue looking left and right while crossing.
-Walk. Don’t run in the street.
-Watch for signs (engine sound, car doors, brake lights) that a car is about to move.
-Use both your eyes and ears at all time for safety.
Preventing backovers in driveways
-Ensure children are supervised at all times, especially when vehicles are present.
-Teach children not to play around vehicles.
-Always assume the presence of children and check carefully before backing.
-Do not allow children to ever play in the driveway.
-Teach children never to play with a vehicle or attempt to put it in gear.
-Never leave a vehicle running and unattended.
-Know where children are located and have them in view before moving a vehicle.
-Keep an eye to the rear and your window down as you back slowly out of a drive.
-Talk to neighborhood parents and urge them to follow safety guidelines.
If your child has been injured in an accident call the Chicago child injury lawyers and wrongful death attorneys at Abels & Annes offer free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.