A child suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident near a high school. According to an Associated Press news report, the pedestrian was hit at the intersection of Bonanza Road and Decatur Boulevard near Western High School. The driver, a woman, remained at the scene of the crash. The child suffered injuries, including bumps and bruises, but the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Police are trying to determine who was at-fault and if the child was walking in a crosswalk at the time of the collision.
Under Nevada law, all motorists are required to exercise due care to avoid a collision with a pedestrian. Drivers are especially required to exercise care and caution while driving through school zones or where children are present. NRS 484B.283 states: “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be so to yield, to a pedestrian crossing the highway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the highway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the highway as to be in danger.” For their part, pedestrians are prohibited from jaywalking or darting into the roadway. Child safety is of the upmost importance when walking near traffic.
Walking is a great way for children to get exercise and fresh air, but it’s important to teach them how to do it safely. Sidewalks and crosswalks are designed to keep pedestrians safe, but children can still be at risk if they don’t understand how to use them properly. In this article, we’ll discuss some important tips for teaching children how to stay safe while walking on sidewalks and crosswalks.
Hold Hands
The most important rule for young children is to hold hands with an adult while walking on sidewalks and crossing the street. This ensures that the child stays close and doesn’t wander off into traffic. Even older children should hold hands with an adult in busy areas or when crossing a busy street.
Look Both Ways
Teach your child to always look both ways before crossing the street, even if they are crossing in a crosswalk. They should check for cars coming from both directions and wait until they are sure it is safe to cross. Teach them to look for turning cars as well.
Obey Traffic Signals
Teach your child to obey traffic signals, including crosswalk signals, traffic lights, and stop signs. Explain to them what each signal means and what they should do when they see it. Reinforce the importance of waiting for the signal to change before crossing the street.
Stay on the Sidewalk
Teach your child to stay on the sidewalk whenever possible. If there is no sidewalk, they should walk as close to the edge of the road as possible, facing traffic. Explain to them that they should never walk in the street, even if it’s just for a short distance.
Wear Bright Clothing
Encourage your child to wear bright or reflective clothing when walking, especially if they are walking during low-light hours. This will make it easier for drivers to see them and avoid accidents.
Be Alert
Teach your child to be alert while walking, and to be aware of their surroundings. They should not be distracted by their phone or other devices, and they should not wear headphones while walking. Encourage them to be aware of cars, bicycles, and other pedestrians in their vicinity.
Practice Safe Walking
Practice safe walking with your child. Take them on walks and demonstrate safe walking habits. This will help them understand the importance of staying safe while walking and crossing the street.
Teaching your child how to stay safe while walking on sidewalks and crosswalks is essential for their safety. Hold hands, look both ways, obey traffic signals, stay on the sidewalk, wear bright clothing, be alert, and practice safe walking habits. By following these tips, you can help your child stay safe while walking and crossing the street. Remember, it’s never too early to start teaching your child about pedestrian safety.
Pedestrian accidents can result in major injuries or even fatalities. Injured victims can seek compensation from the at-fault party for damages such as medical expenses, hospitalization, and rehabilitation. The experienced Nevada injury attorneys at Shook & Stone can help you obtain fair compensation for the injuries and damages you have sustained in a pedestrian accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, please contact 702-570-0000 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.
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