School may be out for the summer for most Minnesota kids but that does not mean that drivers will stop seeing them out on local roads. As temperatures climb and children look for ways to have fun, they may increase their trips to their local parks, pools, and other areas of recreation. As they do, they may travel on foot to get to their destinations.
Drivers should always be on the lookout for pedestrians when they are traveling in St. Paul, but drivers should be especially aware of areas where children may linger. Children can be harder to see than adults because they are smaller. They also tend to be more impulsive than adults and may make dangerous decisions to cross streets when it isn’t safe to do so.
When driving in areas where children are likely to be present, drivers should strictly follow posted speed limits and pay attention to posted crosswalks and intersections. They should anticipate that children may run out into roads to track down lost balls and other items and that they may not be tall enough to be seen.
An accident between a child and a vehicle can be devastating and can leave a family in pieces as it copes with the death of the youth. Drivers can often prevent these tragedies by driving responsibly, avoiding distractions, and staying aware when they may be in areas where children play. When pedestrian accidents do happen, litigation may be appropriate to help compensate victims who have suffered at the hands of others.