Young teens and children account for a disproportionately high percentage of pedestrian casualties. According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, kids aged 15 and younger accounted for 19 percent of all pedestrians injured in traffic crashes in 2011.
As a parent, there are steps you can take to help your child avoid pedestrian accidents. Unfortunately, even responsible kids can fall victim to distracted, drunk or reckless drivers.
If your child was hurt in a pedestrian crash in Mississippi, contact Ballard Law, PLLC. William E. Ballard is an accident attorney in Madison who will help you claim the highest possible compensation for medical bills and non-economic damages.
Call 769-572-5111 to discuss your case in a free initial consultation. If you would like to learn more about car accident claims in Mississippi, visit USAttorneys.com.
6 Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe While Walking to School
Auto manufacturers invest billions of dollars to prevent accidents and injuries. Despite advancements in automotive safety technology, pedestrian fatality rates are on the rise.
Since 2013, there has been a 13 percent increase in the pedestrian death rate for children between the ages 12 and 19, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. On average, five teens die in pedestrian wrecks every week in the United States.
There is no tragedy that could match the loss of a child. Kids who are lucky enough to survive pedestrian crashes often face an uphill climb to recovery. Many of them can never participate in the physical activities they enjoyed before their accidents.
These six tips will reduce your child’s risk of getting injured in a pedestrian wreck:
- Remind your child to look left, right and left again before crossing the street – and to continue looking left and right until he or she reaches the other side;
- Make sure your child understands the dangers of distracted walking. He or she should know not to text or listen to music while commuting;
- Teach your child only to cross on designated paths – preferably at intersections where he or she will be visible to drivers;
- Purchase a reflective vest for your child so he or she is visible to drivers;
- If your child is younger than 10, he or she should always be supervised by a trusted adult while walking; and
- Set a good example for your kids to follow. Avoid distracted walking, look both ways before crossing, only cross on designated paths, and wear bright clothing or a reflective vest.
Although these six strategies will reduce your child’s risk of being injured in a pedestrian accident, nobody can control the actions of negligent drivers. If your child was hurt in a pedestrian crash, turn to Ballard Law, PLLC.
A personal-injury lawyer in Madison will help you pursue justice and compensation from the at-fault motorist. Our legal team will gather evidence, interview witnesses, evaluate doctors’ records and the police report, and compassionately represent your interests. Call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free consultation.
