Everett pedestrian accidents are very serious and tragic events, especially when they involve our children. What with school starting and the wet fall season on its way, it’s very important that parents and drivers on the road are reminded of the laws surrounding school buses and school zones. Drivers that embrace these tips will protect themselves from a personal injury claim, and parents can ensure that their children are alert and safe.
Driver Awareness
It can be easy for drivers to ignore the designated school speed limits and crosswalks when school is not in session during the summer. With fewer school buses around, there is little need to stay alert for their flashing warning lights. But now that the school year has started again, there is no margin for error. Drivers should review the rules of the road to stay alert while driving and avoid a pedestrian accident.
- Rules Regarding School Buses
Every weekday, school buses will stop on the road or on the side of the road to pick up and drop off children. The bus will begin to flash yellow lights when it is preparing to stop. When the lights are flashing red, it is illegal for Everett drivers on the roadway to pass the school bus. Drivers must stop their vehicles at least 10 feet away from the bus to allow children to cross freely and safely. - Prepare for Rain
The transition into fall also indicates the coming of continual rain. It is important for Everett drivers to prepare their vehicles to withstand relentless weather conditions. Drivers should have their tires checked for sufficient tread, proper alignment, and tire pressure. Brake pads should be checked and replaced if necessary. It’s important that drivers are able to see clearly in order to watch for children at crosswalks and street corners. Drivers should check their windshield wipers and make sure that their headlights are bright enough to increase visibility. - Watch for School Zones
The health and well-being of our children should never be in danger. It’s the responsibility of every driver on the road to ensure that children coming and going from school can do so with little or no risk. Drivers should be on the alert for children at crosswalks, bus stops, and street corners. The law demands that drivers obey the speed limits set in school areas. This includes school zones, school crosswalks, and even in school parking lots.
Parental Precautions
It’s always dreadful and frightening for Everetts parents to receive news that their child was hurt in a pedestrian accident. There are a number of precautions that parents can take to protect their children from careless and inattentive drivers.
- Train Children
Parents can take the time to teach and reinforce basic safety tips with their children before sending them to school. Children should know to look both ways before crossing the street, to wait for cars to slow and stop before stepping out onto the road, and to be cautious when crossing at a crosswalk. These simple instructions can help your children protect themselves from dangerous, reckless drivers. - Stay in at Night
The fall season is also a sign of changing daylight hours. Children who stay out in the dark are at risk of not being seen by drivers on the road. Parents should encourage their children to come indoors toward the dark hours of the evening. Children can even wear clean, bright clothes while outside so that they are clearly seen and avoided by those on the road. Carrying a flashlight is an easy protective measure as well.
Child Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Our children’s lives are very precious to us, and it’s important that they are kept safe at all times. Children involved in a serious pedestrian accident can require extensive medical procedures, doctor’s appointments, and therapy sessions in order to recover.
Parents filing a personal injury claim with a qualified Everett pedestrian accident attorney can obtain fair compensation for their child’s injuries. These accidents can be severe and should not go unaddressed. At Russell and Hill, PLLC, our attorneys are dedicated to helping injured children and parents find compensation and healing after a serious pedestrian accident. For more information about our services, contact us today by giving us a call at 888-399-0921 or by filling out our contact form.