Posted in Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury on June 2, 2016
Child Injured in Pedestrian Accident in Nashville Tuesday Afternoon
A child was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle in Nashville Tuesday afternoon.
According to a report by WSMV.com, the accident occurred at around 4 p.m. near the intersection of West Trinity Lane and Liberia Street.
The child suffered non-life-threatening injuries as a result of the accident and was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to receive treatment.
A report by Metro Nashville Police says that the child may have been riding her bike or walking next to her bike when the accident occurred. Police are currently interviewing multiple witnesses of the accident to help determine what happened.
The accident is still under investigation at this time.
Pedestrian Safety Tips Parents Can Teach Their Children
Whether they’re walking to school, to a friend’s house, or even walking near you, your children can be at risk when they travel on foot. All pedestrians, regardless of their age or experience level, are at risk of being struck by vehicles, but children are even more vulnerable due to their smaller size, lack of familiarity with walking near traffic, and tendency to be less aware of how to properly use crosswalks and sidewalks.
The following tips can help keep your children safer when they’re traveling on foot:
According to safekids.org, children under the age of 10 should always walk with and cross streets with an adult. Although all children develop mentally at different rates, many children are unable to fully evaluate the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles until they reach age 10. In addition, their smaller size and stature can make them more difficult for drivers to see at crosswalks.
First, it’s important that your children understand that crossing the street should only be done at crosswalks. Second, it’s equally important to make sure your children know that they should always look both ways before crossing—even if they have a walk signal. Make sure they understand that they should look left, then right, then left again before entering the street and to continue observing both directions as they walk.
Sidewalks are the safest place for pedestrians, and that includes small children. Teach your children the importance of always walking on the sidewalk when one is available due to the protection it offers pedestrians. If there’s no sidewalk available, make sure they understand that they should put as much distance between themselves and vehicles as possible.
Wearing clothing that’s easily seen by drivers can make a big difference in pedestrian safety, and that includes kids, too. When walking with your kids, make sure everyone is wearing clothing that stands out and reflects light. This is especially important when walking at night or when visibility is limited, including overcast days, at dawn/dusk, and when there’s fog.
Pedestrian safety and education are vital for everyone who occasionally travels on foot. Although pedestrians always face some degree of risk, making sure your children understand and follow the tips above—whether they’re walking with you or alone—can significantly decrease their chances of being involved in a pedestrian accident.
If your or your child was injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, our Nashville pedestrian accident attorneys may be able to help you. We have two decades of experience assisting injured victims and their families, and we know what it takes to build strong claims that get results. At Matt Hardin Law, it’s our goal to get results for innocent victims just like you. To find out how we can help, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
