Pedestrian safety is a common concern in areas frequented by tourists. Unfamiliarity with streets, the excitement of being on vacation, and new sights and distractions can all increase the risk of collision with a pedestrian – and as we approach another school year, talking to your children about pedestrian safety becomes even more critical.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a pedestrian is killed every 81 minutes in a traffic accident. In addition, thousands more are seriously injured. The vehicles that pose the most significant threat are SUVs, trucks, minivans, and similarly large automobiles, but even compact cars can cause serious harm in an accident with a pedestrian.
Drivers must pay attention to the road and surroundings: slow down in school zones and areas with pedestrians, come to complete a stop at crosswalks, and take extra care to check for walkers and joggers. However, drivers alone do not carry the entire responsibility. Pedestrians need to know how to safely walk around vehicles as well.
Back to School Safety Month
August is, appropriately, Back to School Safety Month. This is a great time to talk to your kids about pedestrian safety and to provide them with the tools they need to walk safely on their own. If you accompany your children on their walk to and from school, be sure to model safe behavior. This includes:
- Obeying all traffic signs and signals
- Crossing the street at crosswalks or designated crossing areas
- Using sidewalks or designated paths
- Keeping as far away from traffic as possible
- Looking both ways – twice– before crossing the street
You can further help keep kids safe by instructing them to walk in groups, wear reflective clothing, and pay attention to their surroundings. Unfortunately, accidents in school zones are tragically common. Preventing them requires both pedestrians and drivers to behave safely.
Injured Pedestrians Have Rights
If you or your child are injured while walking, there may be legal compensation options beyond what insurance offers. Call our office at 833-546-3675 to schedule a free case review and learn more. We have offices in Naples and Ft. Myers, Florida. We serve victims of serious injury living in all nearby areas of the state.
