Watch for Kids on their way to School
What could be worse than sending your children off to school, only to discover that they will be spending an extended period of time in the hospital–or may never come home again at all—due to an accident that occurred on the way to or from school? It’s every parent’s nightmare—one that too many Florida families have had to endure.
October 2023 Accidents in the News
Across the state, too many accidents involving school children have occurred, including these in a single month:
- A Miami Gardens high schooler who was riding his bicycle on the way to school early one morning never made it there. A van crashed into the cyclist, who was quickly transported by air to a nearby hospital. Tragically, the child died due to the seriousness of his injuries. This was one of many horrendous accidents involving children who are injured or killed while traveling to and from school.
- Just a week prior to the Miami Gardens heartbreak a Jasper family received news that their 8-year-old daughter had to be flown to the hospital after being struck by a car while crossing the street in order to board her school bus. A vehicle that ignored the bus’s stop sign and flashing lights sailed past the bus and put the child in the hospital with critical injuries.
- And a week before the Jasper incident, a 17-year old boy was killed after a school bus crashed into him while riding his bike outside his high school in Clermont. Another horrendous accident that devastated yet another Florida family.
Keeping Kids Safe
Drivers always have a responsibility to keep an eye out for bicyclists and pedestrians any time they get behind the wheel, and particularly near school zones. When school is in session, there are generally more kids out and about during specific times of day, and it behooves everyone to be aware and make smart driving decisions:
- Be particularly cognizant of kids near bus stops, school busses, schools, and in neighborhoods;
- Be prepared for kids to make unpredictable moves while bicycling or walking;
- Heed posted speed limits in school zones;
- Be extra careful when passing, making U-turns, or changing lanes;
- Never block a crosswalk;
- Obey crossing guard directives;
- Minimize distractions such as phone calls, and so forth;
- If visibility is limited due to weather, traffic, or other issues, slow down;
- Always stop when approaching or following a school bus with flashing red lights and a deployed stop sign.
Following an Accident
Sadly, children are at risk whenever they leave the house, and sometimes that means serious injuries or even death could occur following a traffic accident. If that accident was the result of recklessness or negligence on the part of the driver, you may be entitled to damages to address medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. If your child has suffered the aftermath of this type of accident, the experienced, compassionate Kissimmee personal injury attorneys at Salazar & Kelly Law Group can help. Schedule a confidential consultation in our office today.
