An eight-year-old Chatham boy has been released from the hospital after being hit by a car on Tuesday.
Police reported that the boy was playing with friends when he ran out into Thames Street in Chatham and was struck by the vehicle. The collision happened just before 6 p.m.
The boy was airlifted to Victoria Hospital in London as a precaution with serious, but non-life threatening injuries. He was released from the hospital on Friday and is expected to make a full recovery.
According to police, the vehicle was traveling under the posted 40 km/h speed limit at the time of the accident and the woman slammed on her brakes, but was unable to stop in time. There were also no signs that the woman was impaired.
Chatham-Kent Police Service is asking everyone to remind their children about important safety rules when on or near the road. Our Windsor pedestrian accident lawyers recommend these safety tips.
5 Pedestrian Safety Tips for Kids
Pedestrian safety is particularly important because pedestrians have nothing to protect them if they are struck by a vehicle. This is especially true for small children who are even more vulnerable.
Parents should teach their children from a young age about the importance of staying away from the road. If they must be on or near the road, they should follow these important pedestrian safety tips:
1. Know the Meaning of Traffic Signals
An important part of road safety is understanding what the traffic signals mean both for vehicles and pedestrians. Teach your children to understand the meaning of the various road signs in Ontario.
Most importantly, children should know that at stoplights:
- Green means go – Vehicles can only move through an intersection if the light is green.
- Red means stop – vehicles must come to a complete stop if the signal is red.
- Yellow means slow down – Vehicles should slow down and prepare to stop if the light is yellow.
Pedestrian symbols are also important:
- White walking symbol – Pedestrians can cross the street if the symbol of a man walking appears on the pedestrian signal at an intersection.
- Orange hand symbol – If a hand symbol is flashing or steady, pedestrians should not begin crossing. If you have already begun crossing when the flashing hand symbol appears, finish crossing as quickly as possible.
2. How to Safely Cross the Street
Kids tend to sprint across the road anywhere they please. This can be extremely dangerous. Help ensure their safety by teaching them the proper way to cross the street.
They should always look for signals and only cross at marked crosswalks. If no crosswalk is present, they should:
- Stop at the edge of the sidewalk and look both ways before crossing
- Never cross in the middle of a block or between parked vehicles
- Never cross at bends in the road
- Make sure the driver sees you before crossing the street
- Wait until motorists come to a complete stop before stepping into the street to cross
- Watch out for blind corners or driveways where a car may not be able to see a pedestrian about to cross
3. Pay Attention
Just as distracted driving is a serious problem, so too is distracted walking. If you are not paying attention while walking and are distracted by a cellphone, headphones or conversation with another pedestrian, the chances of being hit by a car are increased.
Teach your kids to put away all distractions when walking on or near the road. They should always be alert and aware of their surroundings.
Being able to listen and hear if a vehicle is approaching is an important part of being able to identify if a vehicle is nearby.
4. Do Not Run
Children are often full of energy and eager to get from one location to another. Teach them the importance of remaining calm and focused when near roads. These are dangerous areas that require their full attention.
Make sure they understand that they should not be running near or across roads. They should always come to a stop and look both directions before crossing a road.
5. Make Sure You Are Seen
Visibility is vital to ensuring that vehicles see you. One of the most important things your kids can do to help ensure they are seen is to wear bright colored and reflective clothing.
Although children should not be walking alone at night, if you are out walking at night, ensure you and your kids are dressed in bright clothing. Never wear black or dark colors at night.
Children should learn to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. It is important to ensure they are seen before they attempt to cross the street.
Dedicated Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Windsor
Unfortunately, despite your efforts, accidents still happen. If your child or anyone you love is injured or killed as a pedestrian, do not hesitate to contact the experienced pedestrian accident lawyers at Greg Monforton & Partners.
Through a free, no obligation consultation, we will review your legal rights and advise if you have a case. If you do, we will charge no upfront fees while we investigate, build, negotiate and try your case.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form to get started.