Avoiding child accidents this school year

The start of school at summer's end means much more than students having to get back into the habit of studying and doing homework - it is also a time for drivers to get back in the habit of watching out for kids walking or riding their bikes to school, or waiting at the bus stop.

Many drivers are not used to seeing children out and about on the streets and sidewalks in the early morning hours, which is why it is imperative to keep an extra close lookout while making their morning commute.

The Santa Monica child car accident lawyers at Steinberg Spencer urge readers to use the following tips to help prevent a tragic injury or child fatality. Let's take a look at how drivers can do their part to keep the community safe:

• 1. Take extra precautions at intersections. Some kids may be accustomed to having crossing guards assist them while crossing the street, so if there is not one present, keep an extra eye out for little ones and approach intersections slowly. Kids have a tendency to walk first, think later - they might walk out into the intersection and then realize it was a bad idea, but be too afraid to make a move. 
• 2. Watch for kids around bus stops. Jumpy, anxious kids waiting in the early morning light can hop into the street without thinking, especially if they don't think that a car is coming. Heavy backpacks may also make quick movements difficult, as they may not be used to the extra weight on their backs. 
• 3. Always scan parked cars for children running between them. Sometimes kids think that just because they can see a car means that the driver can see them, and will dart out from behind a parked car. 
• 4. Obey school speed limit signs, even up to a half hour after the posted time. After school activities keep some kids on campuses later than normal, which is why it's always a good idea to drive slowly when around a school, even if the posted school speed limit sign may only require it until 3:00 or 4:00 p.m. 

If your child has been injured in a Riverside, California child car accident, order your free copy of Steinberg Spencer's book, the Seven Biggest Mistakes That Can Ruin Your California Injury Case, by calling 800.350.8888. Or fill out our online form to set up a complimentary case evaluation.