As the state of Illinois begins to open up, children across the state are spending more time outdoors, riding bicycles, enjoying better weather, staring at their iPhones while walking aimlessly, and hanging out with friends. Kids doing what kids do. Paying little attention to cars, traffic, and adults. It’s never more important for drivers to slow down and pay closer attention to their driving.
As an attorney, every day I am personally involved in fighting for those who are injured as a result of the negligence of others. And, as a father, keeping children in my neighborhood safe is a priority to me. I’ve seen too many injuries suffered by children who lose-out on their summertime “fun”. Injuries that are severe, emotionally and psychologically draining, life-changing, and sometimes, even fatal. It’s heartbreaking!
Based upon my experience, below are some steps adult drivers can take this summer to keep children safer this summer.
Sharing the Road with Young Pedestrians
Some common-sense steps will limit these tragedies:
- Slow down. Reduced speed near playgrounds.
- Be Extra Alert. Small children are especially unpredictable and hard to see between cars or darting out from trees or bushes.
- Check Twice. Even if your vehicle has a back-up camera, always check behind and around you when backing out of a driveway.
- Leave Separation. Don’t block crosswalks when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn. Blocking crosswalks forces pedestrians to go around your vehicle and outside the safety of the crosswalk.
- Expect the unexpected. Children may cross the street the wrong places or run out as they’re playing.
- Reduce distractions. Put down that coffee cup, cellphone, and water bottle.
Sharing the Road with Bicyclists
Children riding bikes create special problems for drivers because they usually don’t properly evaluate traffic conditions and traffic flow. Common-sense steps to limit bicycle tragedies are:
- When passing a bicyclist going in the same direction, drive slowly and leave at least 3-feet between you and them.
- When preparing to turn left and a biker is approaching in the opposite direction, wait for the rider to pass.
- When turning right and a biker is approaching from behind, wait for the rider to pass.
- Be extra vigilant for bikers coming from driveways or between parked cars.
By exercising extra care and caution, drivers, children, and parents can safely co-exist and enjoy a fabulous summer.
Chicago Vehicle Accident Attorneys. We Help Victims.
If your child is injured in a vehicle accident this summer as a result of someone’s negligence, your child is entitled to compensation for the injuries.
The Attorneys at Friend, Levinson & Turner are knowledgeable and expert in representing those harmed by the negligence or carelessness of others. Claims for children involved in summertime tragedies are complex and frequently multi-dimensional.
Insurance companies rely on professional adjusters to negotiate and fight accident claims. In order to deal with these professionals, you need a skilled attorney to protect your rights. We know your rights and the applicable laws. We are your advocates. We are experts at negotiating with powerful insurance companies. 50-years of experience counts.
The Attorneys at Friend, Levinson & Turner make the legal process as stress-free as possible. We focus on recovering compensation for you – while you, your child, and your family concentrate on physical and emotional recovery.
If your loved one is injured in a vehicle accident, please call my office or email.
At Friend, Levinson and Turner Law, William Turner Is Here For You.
