A: All parents know that children are constantly in danger. Not only do they need to be protected from strangers and sharp objects, but the simple act of walking down a sidewalk can prove fatal for a child. Over 600 children are killed every year in pedestrian accidents in the U.S. The best method for fighting this trend is by teaching children the biggest risks when walking near roads in West Palm Beach (and how to avoid them):
- Use the crosswalk : There are usually crosswalks in designated school areas, but tend to get further and further apart in rural areas. Mid-block crossings are a common site of pedestrian accidents, since children will often dash across a road rather than walk to a safe crossing.
- Look both ways at driveways : Children may look both ways when crossing a road, but almost never do the same with driveways. Unfortunately, many drivers won’t bother to look either, resulting in back over accidents or broken bones.
- Make a plan : You can greatly reduce your child’s risk by planning a consistent route to and from school that has adequate sidewalks, a good distance from the road, and neighbors along the path where children can go to get help if one of their friends is in an accident.
