At the Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Houston pedestrian accident and injury lawyers know that, like other states, the summer months in Texas mean a substantial increase in the number of kids playing in yards and driveways throughout residential neighborhoods.
The warm weather encourages activities like biking, skateboarding, and running, which can lead to impulsive movements and unexpected crossings. Additionally, drivers may not expect children to be out in full force during the day, leading to reduced vigilance. This combination of increased exposure and less predictability heightens the risk of accidents involving child pedestrians in the summer.
Here, we discuss some of the most common reasons kids are so vulnerable to being struck by vehicles and how we can all help prevent these traumatic accidents from occurring.
Summertime Means Increased Risks for Kids in Residential Neighborhoods Throughout Texas
During the summer, residential neighborhoods see an influx of children playing outside due to the extended break from school, the longer daylight hours, and the favorable weather conditions.
The relaxed routines of summer and the desire to make the most of the season encourage kids to spend more time in their neighborhoods, exploring and socializing with friends. This seasonal change transforms residential areas into lively spaces where children are more visible and active throughout the day.
Unfortunately, the increase in children at play also increases the number of accidents involving our most vulnerable road users.
Some of the most common reasons kids are hit by vehicles in residential neighborhoods include:
- Lack of Supervision: Children often play unsupervised near roads, leading to impulsive and unpredictable movements.
- Inattentive Drivers: Drivers may not anticipate children darting into the street, especially in areas where they don’t expect high pedestrian activity.
- Driveway Backovers: Children playing or walking behind parked cars in driveways can be hit by drivers reversing without seeing them.
- Crossing Between Parked Cars: Kids may cross streets between parked cars, making them less visible to oncoming traffic.
- Playing in the Street: Residential streets often seem safe for children to play in, but they might not be aware of traffic dangers.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Younger children, in particular, may not understand or adhere to traffic signals and crosswalks.
- Distraction: Both children and drivers may be distracted, the former by play and the latter by devices or other distractions inside the vehicle.
Understanding these risks can help parents, caregivers, and drivers take preventive measures to ensure the safety of children in residential areas.
Keeping Texas Kids Safe in Residential Neighborhoods This Summer
To keep kids safe from getting hit by vehicles in residential neighborhoods, consider the following tips:
- Supervision: Always supervise young children playing outside, especially near streets and driveways.
- Teach Traffic Safety: Educate children about the importance of looking both ways before crossing the street, using crosswalks, and understanding traffic signals.
- Safe Play Areas: Encourage kids to play in designated safe areas, such as parks, playgrounds, or fenced yards away from roads and driveways.
- Visibility: To increase children’s visibility to drivers, equip them with brightly colored clothing and reflective gear, especially at dusk or dawn.
- Driveway Safety: Check behind your vehicle before backing out of driveways, and teach kids not to play behind parked cars.
- Slow Down: Encourage drivers in the neighborhood to adhere to speed limits and be extra cautious in areas where children are likely to be playing.
- Distraction-Free Driving: Remind all drivers to stay focused and avoid distractions such as mobile phones, especially in residential areas.
- Community Awareness: Work with your community to implement safety measures, such as speed bumps, “Children at Play” signs, and well-marked crosswalks, to remind drivers to be cautious.
By following these tips, parents, caregivers, and drivers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and create a safer environment for children in residential neighborhoods.
Contact Our Lawyer at Hollingsworth Law Firm Today
While we hope you never need us, if a negligent driver hits your child, contact our dedicated Houston pedestrian accident attorneys at the Hollingsworth Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. Call 713-637-4560 or contact us online.
Our skilled bilingual personal injury lawyers and support staff represent clients throughout Texas on a contingency basis, so you never pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
If you are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, so are we. Let us take the lead.
