Child Pedestrian Safety Tips | Seattle Child Injury Attorney

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We know Seattle car accidents. As a Seattle personal injury lawyer, and father of two boys myself, I recognize that back to school time is here and for most of us parents that means sending our kids off to school on foot. This can be a scary notion for many moms and dads who worry about their kids getting to school safely. This notion is not unwarranted. Did you know that everyday all over the United States, nearly 100 children suffer serious injury in accidents caused by motor vehicles?

As a child injury lawyer I think this number is far too high. This is why I want to help you guide your child on what may be a new adventure – walking to school.

Here are some helpful tips to teach your kids to keep them safe on their journey to school in the morning and home at the end of the day. I found this information in the article, “Back to School in Kansas City: Child Pedestrian Safety Tips for a Safe and Happy School Year” by Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer, James Roswold at Roswold Law Group. I thought they would be helpful for those of you who are allowing your kids to walk to school this year for the first time.

1. Look left, then right and then left again before crossing and always keep an eye out for approaching traffic while crossing.

2. Always walk on the sidewalks. Stay out of the street unless you are crossing.

3. Remember to always cross at designated and posted pedestrian crossings. If there are no designated cross walks, make sure they know to cross at street corners.

4. Obey all traffic lights and signs and pay close attention to the neighborhood crossing guard, if there is one. NEVER try to cross a street by running out between cars.

5. Stay visible. Wear bright colors (jacket, backpacks, etc.)

I know that protecting your child is your number one priority. Remember your school aged child is just that; kids don’t always use the best of common sense when they faced with a dangerous situation. Set a good example for your children. Walk them to school the first few times and make sure they know the proper procedures and safest routes.