Sandusky Personal Injury Lawyer - Kids

A few more tips on keeping kids safe from pedestrian car accidents this Halloween

Chuck Boyk — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:48:33 GMT

Our Toledo, Ohio pedestrian accident lawyers encourage parents to take an active role in trick-or-treating, regardless of a child’s age, in order to prevent wrongful death from pedestrian accidents.

Below are the remaining tips in our Halloween safety series on how to prevent pedestrian car accidents. Our Toledo, Ohio car accident lawyers urge parents to be extra careful when taking their kids trick-or-treating on Halloween, and encourage the children to also be cautious.

• Carry a flashlight.

The more noticeable you make yourself to cars, the better. Carrying a flashlight will not only help you to see where you are going, it will also help drivers to see you. In the event of an emergency, a flashlight could also aid in signaling for help.

• Wear costumes that fit properly, including appropriate shoes.

Costumes should fit snugly, with no hanging fabric or objects. Loose material can cause a trick-or-treater to trip and fall. Durable, no-slip shoes should also be worn for the same reason, even if they don’t match your costume.

• Plan your route

Following these tips can help keep Halloween fun and injury free, but encourage your kids to also be smart if they are old enough to trick-or-treat without a parent. Here are a few common-sense guidelines: Never enter a stranger’s house without a parent, no matter what reason the owner gives you. Wear a watch to keep track of the time, and check in regularly to let parents know you’re safe. Never walk alone. Staying in a group will ensure that at least one person can help you if something happens. Remember, if something seems suspicious, trust your judgment. Leave the area and tell a responsible adult about it.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, you need information. Order your FREE copy of The Ohio Accident Book to learn your rights. Contact our office today for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chuck Boyk

Protect your kids from pedestrian car accidents this Halloween

Chuck Boyk — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:02:00 GMT

"Practicing good safety measures at Halloween is essential in order to prevent pedestrian car accidents,” Attorney Chuck Boyk said. “I have seen cases where children were struck by motor vehicles in a pedestrian accident, and the effects are devastating.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, an average of four wrongful deaths per year occurred during Halloween hours amongst kids ages 5-14 years after pedestrian car accidents.

Our Toledo, Ohio pedestrian accident attorneys have seen firsthand the effects that pedestrian accidents can have on a family.

That is why it is imperative for kids to follow these tips to keep them free from pedestrian accident injuries this Halloween.

• Wear bright, reflective clothing.

October days in northwest Ohio can turn dark quickly. Bright, reflective clothing will ensure that other trick-or-treaters, and more importantly drivers, see you. Reflective clothing will stand out, decreasing your chance of being hit by a car.

• Always use crosswalks to cross the street.

When crossing at an intersection with a stoplight, make sure to wait until the pedestrian cross light reads “Walk,” even if the stoplight for cars is green, since cars will often turn in a pedestrian’s path. Never run across the street. Walking decreases the chance that you could fall and injure yourself, which could make it difficult to get out of the way of an oncoming car.

Look for more information on how to protect your children from pedestrian accidents this Halloween in “Halloween safety can prevent pedestrian car accidents - Part II,” coming soon. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, order your free cope of The Ohio Accident Book to learn your rights. Contact our office today for a free, no obligation consultation and case evaluation.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chuck Boyk

New school year brings more kids near roads; avoid pedestrian car accidents

Chuck Boyk — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:06:00 GMT

Our Toledo, Ohio car accident attorneys recognize that the more kids there are on the road, the greater the chance for pedestrian accidents. With the start of a new school year, more kids will be waiting for buses and walking to school. Follow these tips to keep kids traveling to and from school free from personal injury.

• Pay extra attention

Drivers need to pay extra attention to the road, due to the increased number of children standing near the street.

• Train your eyes to look for small children

Many drivers are not used to seeing children out and about in the early morning hours. Their eyes are not trained to look for small bodies, only for other cars. Teach your eyes to look for kids first.

• Check behind your car

Before even leaving your driveway, make sure that there are no children near or behind your car.

Kids and Cars, a child advocacy group, estimate that vehicular backovers take the lives of two children per week. Vehicular backover wrongful deaths occur when a driver is unaware that a person is behind their car, and they proceed to leave a driveway or parking spot in reverse, striking them or running them over.

“Small children are very likely to be at the wrong place at the wrong time,” Attorney Chuck Boyk said. “Extra caution is essential to protect everyone. Rollover accidents are devastating for entire families and will gravely impact them forever.”

• Know where your kids are

Make sure your children as well as those nearby your home are aware of your departure. Encourage them to stand at a safe, visible distance to “wave goodbye,” to ensure that you know where they are before backing up.

• Be cautious when backing out

When backing out, always roll down the window to listen for children playing near or behind your car, who you may not be able to see.

• Practice intersection safety

Be extra attentive when crossing an intersection. Sometimes children dart from behind cars, or fail to use crosswalks. Wait an extra few seconds before advancing after a light turns green, to make sure that the road is clear. Also be sure to stop early at a yellow light, even if you think you could make it through the intersection before the light turns red.

• Help bus drivers and crossing guards

Obey all school bus stop signs and crossing guards. They are there to help children travel to and from school safely, and their job depends on drivers following their lead. Help kids have a safe start back to school!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chuck Boyk