Watch Out for Kids!
A tragedy landed a young girl in the hospital after her own mother accidentally ran her over with the family SUV while dropping her off at school. After dropping items from her book bag under the vehicle, the 12-year-old got on her hands and knees to retrieve the items. Not realizing her daughter was partially under the vehicle, the girl’s mother began to drive away, stopping only when she heard the screams of her child.
Dangers
Driveways and parking lots are particularly dangerous places for toddlers and children because they are around motor vehicles, and adults are often unaware of their presence. Over 9,000 kids wind up in emergency rooms across the country annually due to accidents that occur in precisely these locations—and more often than not it is friends and relatives of the child who are responsible for the incidents. That’s about 50 accidents a week, two of which result in a fatality. So often, these horrendous experiences are completely preventable.
Don’t Count on Kids to Prioritize Safety
The fact of the matter is that, when kids are playing, they’re generally focused on having fun—and that’s particularly true for preschoolers and kindergarteners. Adding to the danger, these are precisely the little ones who are sometimes difficult to see over the car’s hood or in the car’s mirrors. While backup cameras are a huge help, they alone won’t do the job of keeping kids safe. That’s why it’s up to adults to ensure that they are safe by taking the steps necessary to be absolutely sure the area is free of risk before driving. Simple things like a child running into the driveway to chase a ball or give one last hug good-bye can wind up being a catastrophic event. No matter how rushed you may be feeling, it’s essential to be completely focused on your surroundings when behind the wheel.
Safety Advice
Sometimes just a few seconds can save a life. Tips for avoiding the kinds of accidents described here include:
- Take the time to actually walk around your parked vehicle before taking off so you can be sure there are no children hanging around.
- Teach your own children that they should wait in a safe, visible location when being picked
- Escort very small children in and out of vehicles.
- Hold hands with young children in parking lots and on sidewalks where there are driveways.
- Never allow children to play in your own or other’s driveways; instead identify safe play areas away from moving vehicles.
- Don’t allow children to keep toys in the driveway.
When You Need a Personal Injury Attorney
If your child was injured due to the negligence of another person, the devastation is incalculable. At Salazar & Kelly Law Group, our Kissimmee personal injury lawyers are here to help you collect damages to address the physical, emotional, and mental costs. To discuss, schedule a confidential consultation in our Kissimmee today.
Source:
nypost.com/2024/08/13/us-news/florida-girl-critically-injured-after-mom-runs-her-over-on-first-day-of-school-reports/
