Most children are taught safe passenger habits early on in life. Children are educated on the importance of dangers of speaking on the phone while driving, wearing seat belts, and other similiar safety habits. According to a report released by the US Department of Transportation, educating children on safe habits while walking around and outside vehicles is as important as safety habits inside the vehicle.
The report indicates that from 2008-2011, 10,043 children under the age of 14 years were killed in accidents in United States. Also, around 30,000 children were injured in the same time period. Of these deaths, 85 percent were a result of non-traffic crashes and 60 percent of injured children were non-occupants such as bicyclists and pedestrians. These statistics paint a grim picture, but some proactive steps by parents can help prevent accidents outside and around the vehicles. In this post, our Chicago car wreck lawyer will share some tips for parents and children that will help the children stay safe around parked vehicles.
Walk around your vehicle: Before you enter your vehicle, you should walk around it to check for the presence of children. Remember, this is particularly important in case of larger vehicles such as trucks, minivans or SUVs that can make visibility difficult, especially if there are smaller children around. By being aware of the presence of children around, you can be better prepared for the unexpected, such as a child suddenly appearing as you are backing out.
Know where the kids are: Many child injuries occur when they make a sudden dash to bid goodbye or greet the driver. So, before you move your vehicle, you should know where the children are. If the children are around the car, make sure there is an adult present there to watch and take care of the kids. Back up slowly and check your mirrors.
Make sure your kids know that parked cars can move suddenly: It is important to teach your kids to be cautious when crossing streets and around moving vehicles. However, you must also tell them to be cautious around parked vehicles. Teach them that the parked vehicles can move too and they should never play around them.
Educate your children on parking lot safety: Parents should have conversations with their children about parking lot safety. They should be aware that the driver might not be able to see them even if they are able to see him/her. Instruct them to look before they step into parking lot traffic or exit a vehicle.
These
simple precautions can go a long way in preventing child injuries in
and around parking lots. If your child has been injured by a
negligent or reckless driver, you should seek adequate financial
compensation from at-fault with the help of an experienced attorney at Willens Law Offices. Call (312) 957-4166 today for a free consultation.
