5 Tips for Driving Safely Around Children
Even if you do not have any kids yourself, San Diego is a major city with a large population of children, which means you probably see them on a daily basis. According to KidsData.org, there were nearly 750,000 children residing in San Diego County in 2016, and that figure has only increased since.
Whether you live in a suburban neighborhood with kids in virtually every home or pass multiple schools on your commute, it is important to keep a few safe driving tips in mind. For example, if a ball rolls onto the street, you should be prepared to stop because there is a good chance a kid will come running after it.
Unfortunately, not all motorists are as conscientious as they should be when driving near parks and playgrounds. If you or someone in your family was hurt in a pedestrian accident with a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation.
To determine if you have grounds for a claim, turn to Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates. We have recovered more than $150 million for our clients in successful settlements and verdicts. Call 855-290-8080 to schedule a free case evaluation with a car accident lawyer in San Diego.
Read on to learn five tips for driving safely around children:
- Eliminate Distractions
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 children who died in traffic crashes in 2015 was a pedestrian. PennyGeeks reports that distractions—on the part of both those behind the wheel and those on foot—are a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. You can reduce the risk of causing a tragic pedestrian accident by focusing on the road ahead and remaining alert at all times.
- Reduce Your Speed
Children can be unpredictable and impulsive, and they are often unaware of their surroundings. As a result, they may not necessarily check for oncoming traffic before darting into the road. By reducing your speed when driving by parks, schools, and other areas where kids are likely to be, you will have more time to react should a pedestrian run in front of your vehicle.
- Watch for Buses
Even if you don’t pass any school zones on your commute, you may come across a few buses. Remember: Unless you are on the other side of a raised median, you must stop for buses that are flashing their lights regardless of their direction of travel relative to your own.
- Back up Slowly
Always back out of your driveway slowly, and check your surroundings thoroughly before doing so. If there are a lot of children in your neighborhood, consider installing a backup camera on your vehicle or upgrading to a model that has one for optimal safety and peace of mind.
- Share the Road
Older children may ride their bikes around the neighborhood or even to and from school. Since they do not have a driver’s license, though, they may not necessarily know or follow right of way laws. Always give young cyclists a wide berth, and never assume they will signal before making a maneuver like turning left.
Unfortunately, even if you follow all the above tips, you cannot rely on other motorists to do the same. If you or a loved one was hurt in a pedestrian accident, contact Jeffrey E. Estes Associates today.
Call 855-290-8080 to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney in San Diego. You can learn more about collision claims in California by visiting USAttorneys.com.
