If you live near your children’s school, then letting them walk is a practical, healthy way to introduce independence. However, all it takes is one negligent driver to cause a pedestrian accident – and these tragedies happen more often than you might think.

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 20 percent of children who died in traffic accidents in 2013 were pedestrians. As such, if your children walk to school, it is critical that you teach them proper safety etiquette.

Unfortunately, even responsible kids can fall victim to drunk, distracted and reckless drivers. If your child was injured in a pedestrian crash in New Mexico, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC.

A personal-injury lawyer in Albuquerque will evaluate your case and provide legal guidance in a free initial consultation. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and non-economic damages. Call 505-207-4401 to discuss your claim.

8 Tips to Keep Your Children Safe While Commuting to School

Young children account for a disproportionately high percentage of pedestrian injuries. Many kids do not know how traffic works. They are also easily distracted and unable to predict the actions of drivers.

You should never let your children walk to school until they know how to anticipate and avoid dangerous situations. Here are eight tips to help your kids avoid pedestrian accidents while walking to and from school:

  1. Help your kids plot a safe route to and from school. Look for low-traffic roads that have sidewalks and crosswalks;
  2. Instruct your kids never to text or listen to music while walking. Any distraction that inhibits them physically, cognitively or visually should be avoided;
  3. Teach your children only to cross the road at designated crosswalks. If no crosswalk is available, then cross at an intersection;
  4. Remind your kids to look left, right and left again before crossing the road – and to continue looking for oncoming cars as they cross;
  5. Instruct your children not to walk behind cars that are reversing. The driver might not see them;
  6. It is likely that several kids walk to school. Try to form a walking group so your children are more visible.
  7. Make sure your children wear bright-colored clothing or a reflective vest; and
  8. Give your kids a flashlight to carry when walking at night.

Although these tips will reduce your child’s risk of being injured in a pedestrian accident, nobody can control the actions of negligent drivers. If your child was hurt by a drunk, distracted or reckless motorist in New Mexico, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC.

With a combined 32 years in legal practice, our car accident lawyers have the litigation experience and resources to help you recover the maximum compensation. Call 505-207-4401 today to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal-injury attorney in Albuquerque.