Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog

In Florida, children are the unfortunate victims of accidents as pedestrians, bicyclists, or scooter riders. When a child suffers serious personal injuries in an accident caused by the negligence of a driver, there are many challenges faced by both the child and the family. First and foremost, the medical needs of the child should be met. The medical care may involve fire rescue paramedics, emergency room personnel, orthopedists, neurologists, surgeons, therapists, and other medical professionals. Once the initial medical needs of the child are met, the parents are often faced with the issue of payment of bills and then follow up care. Soon after accidents, parents are often contacted by investigators, insurance adjusters, and others seeking information regarding the child and the parents. At these most challenging times, it is often helpful to have the advice, consultation, and representation by a Florida Child Injury Lawyer. An experienced attorney in child injury cases can advise a parent as to issues including medical bills, medical treatment, insurance coverage, insurance claims, legal rights, compensation, damages, and other matters. These legal claims / legal cases are handled on a contingency basis (i.e. No Recovery - No Fees). Because of these available attorney fee arrangements, parents are able to secure the services of a qualified Florida personal injury without having to pay any money up front to the attorney for investigation or representation.

There are three basic issues that are part of most every child injury case involving a child pedestrian, child bicyclists, and child scooter rider.

1. Liability. This refers to the part of the case involving fault. Florida is a comparative fault type of state. In other words, the attorney for the child injury victim does not have to prove that 100% of the fault was attributed to a particular driver. Even if the child victim is partially at fault (in addition to the driver's fault), a case / claim for personal injuries can still be pursued. In determining the liability, fault, and / or responsibility for a particular accident or incident, the investigation may include review of the police report and accident scene. In addition, if there were witnesses to the accident, statements can be taken as well. While it is helpful if the police officer issues a traffic citation to the alleged at fault driver, the issuance of a traffic citation is not required to pursue claim for personal injuries. Because of the issue of liability can be quite confusing and complicated, it is often times helpful to hire a Florida personal injury attorney to review the facts and details of the accident.

2. Damage. This typically refers to injuries sustained by the child as a result of the bicycle, pedestrian, or scooter accident. The value of the case is usually contingent on the extent or seriousness of the injuries. Factors that may be considered include the following: length of the medical treatment, type of medical treatment, diagnostic testing results, permanency of the injuries, the manner in which the child's life has been affected or disrupted, the need for future care, the need or performance of surgery, extent of scarring, extent of disfigurement, and other factors. A one time emergency room visit is valued much differently than a case involving a year of treatment and many specialists.

3. Automobile / Liability Insurance. If a liability can be proved and the damages or injuries warrant the pursuit of a legal claim / legal case then practical considerations must be considered. One major practical consideration involves the availability and amount of automobile / liability insurance. While there are Florida laws in place that require an owner of a vehicle to maintain automobile insurance, the basic or minimal requirements are typically insufficient to properly compensate a child injury victim. Because of this, it is important for a parent to determine the amount and type of coverage that are in place for a particular injury or accident. Hopefully, the vehicle owner or driver purchased a policy in excess of the minimal requirements. A Florida personal injury lawyer can help a parent review the available insurance and advise the parent as to the practicalities of a particular claim or case.

The Associated Press recently reported that a 6 year old boy suffered serious personal injuries when he was hit on scooter in Broward County, Florida. The driver of the vehicle had hit another vehicle and the boy as well. Its appears that the at fault driver ran a stop sign according to the Broward County Sheriff's Office. See 6 Year Old Boy Suffers Critical Personal Injuries as a Result of Being Hit by a Vehicle.

In a case like the one mentioned above, it is certainly most unfortunate and tragic that a child was injured as a result of a driver failing to stop at a stop sign. Traffic rules and regulations are in place for a reason. When a Florida traffic regulations or traffic sign / signal is violated, serious accidents can take place. See Florida Traffic Rules, Regulations, and Laws - Frequently Asked Questions. Beyond the liability or fault aspects of this accident, it appears that the injuries or damages are quite serious which then brings us to the final consideration - that of automobile or liability insurance.

In Florida, pedestrians are unfortunately injured while crossing the streets. Some of these Florida pedestrian accidents take place in or near a crosswalk. Other tragic injuries and pedestrian accidents take place when a pedestrian is not using a crosswalk. While a pedestrian should use a crosswalk when accessible, the failure of a pedestrian to use a crosswalk does not mean that legal rights are necessarily waived. Furthermore, a pedestrian, who is injured as a result of the negligence of a driver, can pursue a civil case or claim for damages and compensation even if the pedestrian is hit by a vehicle while the pedestrian fails to use a crosswalk.

When a pedestrian is injured in Florida, it is often times helpful to hire the services of a Florida personal injury lawyer to assist with issues involving insurance, compensation, damages, medical bills, medical treatment, and other matters. A Florida pedestrian personal injury lawyer can also assist the injury victim and family as to the investigation as to the cause, preventability, and fault for the automobile accident / pedestrian accident.

Florida has comparative fault laws in place. In other words, an injury victim can be partially at fault and still be able to collect compensation against a negligent driver for injuries caused by a Florida pedestrian accident. Even if a pedestrian could have or should have used a crosswalk, this does not excuse a driver from an accident caused by negligent driving. Drivers should yield to pedestrians and bicyclists when possible and practical. Just because a crosswalk is not being used does not mean that a driver can speed and / or ignore the presence of a pedestrian or bicyclist in or near the roadway or highway. See also Florida Traffic Laws and Regulations - Frequently Asked Questions.

In Miami, Florida, a tragic pedestrian accident was recently reported.It was reported by the Gainesville Sun and other news outlets that a young boy was killed as he was crossing the street with his family. See P Pedestrians Hit by Car in Miami Florida. The family had been shopping at a local shopping center prior to the pedestrian accident. Since a death resulted from this accident, a full accident investigation will be conducted. It was reported that the family was not using a crosswalk at the time of this incident.

The above case and others still can be pursued by a Florida personal injury attorney. Each case must be evaluated on its own merits and the attorney will consider a number of factors in advising the injury victim and family on a Florida pedestrian accident case.

Motorcycle / Pedestrian Accident Reported in Suwannee County Florida

In Florida, pedestrians are the unfortunate victims of hit and run accidents. One such incident was reported in Suwannee County Florida. A pedestrian was struck by a motorcyclist on Highway 129 and then fled the scene. The pedestrian suffered personal injuries included a dislocated foot. Thereafter, the motorcyclist fled the scene. The Florida Highway Patrol responded to the scene of this pedestrian accident. See Motorcycle - Pedestrian Collide - Motorcyclist Leaves the Scene of the Florida Accident.

Florida law requires that a driver of any vehicle involved in an Florida accident that results in personal injury or death to stop at the accident scene. This legal duty is set forth in the Florida Statutes under Section 316.027. There are many other traffic rules and regulations in place in Florida. See Florida Traffic Rules, Regulations and Laws - Frequently Asked Questions.

In Putnam County, Florida, a tragic death was recently reported. The incident took place at Hog Waller, a business located in Putnam County which includes a family fun park with a mud bogging area. Landon A. Teitloff, age 3, was a pedestrian who was hit by a vehicle that was being backed up by the driver. The boy was transported to Putnam County Hospital where he later died. For more details regarding this pedestrian accident - See Putnam County Child Hit When Relative Backs Up Truck in North Florida. SInce a death resulted from this incident, the Florida Highway Patrol will conduct an investigation as to the cause and preventability of this incident and will later issue a Florida Traffic Death Report.

Accidents involving the backing up of a vehicle and a small child take place in Florida and other States. Often times, the driver does not see the small child as the person is backing up the vehicle. Many such incidents take place in drive ways for parking lots.

A Florida Personal Injury Attorney can help answer questions that arise from back over or back up incidents that result in serious personal injuries to death to a child. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Automobile Accidents, Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. You can receive this book for free at The ABCs of the Child Injury.

In Florida and other states, children are the unfortunate victims of pedestrian / automobile accidents that cause the untimely and wrongful death of children. Wrongful death cases in Florida are governed by Chapter 768 - Florida Statutes which is titled the Florida Wrongful Death Act. It is important for drivers of motor vehicles in Florida to drive with the utmost of caution when there are children in the area. This would include school bus zones, school zones, playgrounds, and residential areas. A Florida Wrongful Death case filed due to the untimely and negligent death of a child can be very complicated. There are many issues and facts facing a parent with these Florida legal cases. A Florida Child Personal Injury Lawyer can guide, counsel, and represent parents in these legal matters. See also The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know.

In Metropolitan Dade County v. Dillon - 305 So.2d 36 (Fla. 1974), Darlene Dillon, age six, was the unfortunate and tragic victim of a Florida automobile / pedestrian accident that caused her death. The case went to a jury trial and the jury entered a verdict for compensation to the Darlene's parents. Dade County and its lawyers appealed the verdict all the way up to the Supreme Court of Florida. Florida's highest court affirmed the verdict award for the family. In this case, a garbage truck driver, who was looking in his rear view mirror observing the activities of his co-workers, ran over Darlene. It was reported that the truck had travelled 105 feet before striking the child. One of the pedestrian accident witnesses reported that Darlene's body flipped through the air "like a rag doll".

The appeal dealt with issues of liability or fault for the pedestrian / automobile accident. The Supreme Court of Florida ruled that the parents had in fact proved their case against the County for causing the accident and death of this Florida child. The record from the trial included evidence that the driver of the county garbage truck violated Dade County traffic ordinances and was being operated in an area designated for pedestrians like Darlene. While each side had presented arguments and circumstantial evidence on this and other points, the Supreme Court of Florida ruled that the jury had sufficient evidence to support the verdict.

In Florida, the general law provides that the violation of these traffic ordinances normally constitute prima facie evidence of negligence which can be overcome and challenged by other evidence. This means that the violation of the ordinances can be used as evidence of negligence or fault but does not automatically guarantee a win or victory on the case.

In the Florida, children under the age of 6 years old cannot be negligent or partially at fault as a matter of law. Children, who are 6 years old and older, can be held to be negligent. The child's age and maturity can be considered in assessing whether the child was at fault or partially at fault for the automobile accident / pedestrian accident. As noted in Swindell v. Hellkamp - 242 So.2d 708 (Fla. 1971), a child under six is conclusively presumed to be incapable of committing contributory negligence.

In Metropolitan Dade County v. Dillon, the jury determined that the 6 year old child was not at fault and the Supreme Court of Florida affirmed this verdict. The Supreme Court of Florida cited Foulk v. Perkins - (Fla. App. 1966) and noted that "Moreover, one who si not in a position to appreciate or apprehend the danger to which he is exposed can hardly be deemed guilty of contributory (comparative) negligence.

A Florida lawmaker (State Representative Irv Slosberg) is seeking to pass a Florida law that would ban texting while driving. Technology has made great advances over the past decade or so. We can communicate faster and better through devices like laptop computers, iPads and touchscreen devices, and, yes, smart phones like the iPhone and Droid. Unfortunately, these same devices have caused many Florida automobile accidents, Florida bicycle accidents, and Florida pedestrian accidents. Many of these accidents have resulted in serious personal injuries and deaths to children. One such victim texting while driving was James Caskey, Jr. who was riding a tricycle in North Naples when he was struck by a driver who was allegedly texting while driving. See Florida Lawmaker Looks to Ban Texting While Driving.

In Florida, drivers should do their best to limit distracted driving. Wait until you arrive at your destination to respond to that text or e mail. Waiting a few minutes to respond can save a life and avoid a serious Florida automobile accident. Florida drivers should drive with the utmost of caution and otherwise follow Florida's traffic laws and regulations and pay attention to road conditions and traffic. See Florida Traffic Statutes, Rules and Regulations - Frequently Asked Questions.

Florida's year round weather allows bicyclists and pedestrians to be out on the sidewalks, and streets virtually every day. The Florida Department of Transporation is trying to prevent pr aty least reduce the number of incidents leading to personal injuries / deaths to bicyclists and pedestrians in Florida. See Campaign Aims to Stop Bike and Pedestrian Personal Injuries and Deaths.

It is important for drivers to slow down in any area where there are bicycle riders or pedestrians. This is especially important when there are children riding bicycles or walking on or near the streets and roadways. It is also important for all drivers to follow and obey Florida traffic rules and regulations and otherwise drive with caution depending on weather conditions and traffic. See Florida Traffic Rules and Regulations - Frequently Asked Questions.

In Jacksonville, Duvall County, Florida and other locations throughout the United States, there is a problem with motorist ignoring stops school buses. In Florida, it is the law that a driver must stop when a school bus is stopped with flashing red lights activated and stop signs extended. Unfortunately, Florida drivers tend to ignore these flashing red lights and stop signs and drive right pass stopped school buses. The Florida times Union website recently reported a news story on this problem. It is estimated that almost 2,000,000 incidents (that's right Two Million incidents) take place every year involving a driver who ignores stopped school bus and drives past the school bus. In Florida, a driver can be find up to $500 for this driving violation or this traffic citation. It is important for the safety of children that all drivers be on the lookout for school buses whether stopped or not. Unfortunately, many such incidents have resulted in serious personal injuries to children. Many of these Florida pedestrian accidents / automobile accidents would have been avoided if the driver has stopped and obeyed Florida traffic rules and regulations pertaining to school buses. For more information on this topic see Drivers Frequently Ignore Stop School Buses in Jacksonville Florida in other cities.

Teaching children about safety can help prevent many unfortunate accidents and incidents from taking place. In some Florida cities and towns, "safety towns" have been created to teach children about traffic and pedestrian safety. The "safety towns" are minature versions of towns that have streets and crosswalks. The "safety town" concept is a great way to teach children about crosswalks, bus stops, and the dangers of traffic and busy intersections. You can read more about the concept and usefulness of "safety towns" at Teaching Children in Florida Safety Towns.

It is well known that children (especially young children) lack good safety awareness. Because of this, it is important for drivers to slow down in and near school zones, bus stops, parks, playgrounds, and all other locations where children play, walk, or ride bicycles. By slowing down and reducing driver distraction, many automobile accidents involving child pedestrians and bicyclists can be avoided.

When a child is a victim of an accident and suffers serious personal injuries, many challenges are presented to the parent caring for the child. How are the medical bills going to be paid? Who is legally responsible for the medical bills? What insurance benefits are available? What are the legal rights of the injured child? The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injuries - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Automobile Accidents, Medical Bills / Medical Care, Damages / Compensations, and other topics. You can receive a free copy of this book at The ABCs of Child Injury.

Orange City, Florida and its residents have a concern about child safety. In particular, residents, school officials, and parents are concerned about the safety of children as they walk or ride their bicycles to and from school. Unfortunately, in Orange City, Florida, there are danger zones for children travelling to and from school. This is especially problematic in areas where there is a lack of sidewalks. Orange County Officials have met to discuss this issues. Hopefully, action will be taken to make it safer for children. Drivers in Orange City and elsewhere should do their best to drive safe in and near school zones as well as other areas where children are present as pedestrians and bicyclists. By slowing down and limiting driver distractions, many unfortunate and tragic automobile accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents can be avoided. See Orange City Meeting to Discuss School Safety Isssues for Child Pedestrians.

In Orlando, Florida, a horrible accident took place in the Festival Bay parking lot. It was reported by the Orlando Sentinel that a mother (Amara Khan) was fatally injured by her own vehicle when her 4 year old son put the car in reverse. At the time of the tragic incident, Ms. Khan was walking behind her vehicle while it was operating. Many drivers and parents leave their vehicles on while taking care of other children or putting the groceries in the car. While it does not seem that dangerous, a vehicle can be put into gear by even a small child like a four year old. For more information regarding this incident, see Mother Backed Over by Her Own Vehicle in Mall Parking Lot.

Safety is key when operating a motor vehicle in the State of Florida. It is well known that children have poor safety awareness even when riding in an automobile. A moment of inattention can lead to serious personal injuries and, in some cases, even death.

Halloween is a great holiday full of fun and festivities. Unfortunately, Halloween also brings with it dangers to children walking around neighborhoods. It has been reported that a child's risk of getting hit by a car is four times more than at other times of the year. It is well known that children often times have poor safety awareness. This is especially true when there are distractions like a night full of candy and trick or treat activities. The American College of Emergency Physicians issued a Press Release regarding the dangers to children as pedestrians on Halloween Night. Planning and safety measures are key to help reduce or prevent tragic automobile accidents / pedestrian accidents from taking place on Halloween. See Child's Risk Higher on Halloween Night - Safety Measures for Children and Parents.

It can be quite difficult for a parent to deal with the aftermath of a child injury. There are many issues and problems to deal with. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on automobile accidents, damages / compensation, medical bills / treatment and other topics.

In Florida and other States, it is vital that all drivers exercise due caution and safe driving when driving near a Florida school bus. It is well known that Florida school buses make frequent stops. Furthermore, where there are school buses - there are usually children. Slow down and pay attention to the location of a Florida school bus. The few extra seconds that a driver takes to slow down or stop can make the difference between the life and death of a child. Tragically, in Kissimmee, Florida, a 13 year old was hit by a vehicle in the location near Wellington Woods Circle and Carroll Street. See Child Struck by Vehicle in Kissimmee Florida. It was reported in the Orlando Sentinel that the driver of the vehicle failed to stop for the school bus.

For the safety of school children, it is vital that all drivers obey the various Florida Traffic Rules and Regulations pertaining to driving near school buses. Furthermore, drivers should use their common sense of safety and just slow down. This applies to all areas where children walk, ride their bicycles, and play. You can about the various laws pertaining to school buses and other rules of the road at Florida Traffic Laws and Regulations.

In Florida and other States, millions of children walk to school every day. Unfortunately and quite tragically, many children are hit by vehicles while walking to school. When a child is struck by a vehicle, the injuries can be quite serious, and, in some instances, fatal. In one moment, a child is walking to school anticipating the ring of the bell to learn from the teachers and spend time with friends. In the next moment, the child is hit by a car and struggling for life. Recently, a child was hit by a pick up truck while on the way to her school - Middleton High School. It was reported that Shenika Davis was hit early in the morning while walking to school. The Florida pedestrian / automobile accident took place at East Hillsborough Avenue. Since a death resulted from this incident, local law enforcement and / or the Florida Highway Patrol will conduct an investigation to determine the actions of the pedestrian, the actions of the driving, and any other factors or conditions that may have caused or contributed to this fatal Florida pedestrian / automobile accident.

Shenika Davis was only 15 years old and would have turned 16 the week after the tragic accident. The death of this teen is certainly a shock and loss and for the family, neighborhood, school, and community. See Teen Hit by Pick Up Truck in Tampa, Florida.

In Lake County, Florida and other places, tragedies take place that are never expected or planned for. It was reported by the Orlando Sentinel that a 10 year old boy Nathan Hayes was hit by a vehicle. Nathan was standing off of the side of the road as instructed by his father. The boy and his father had swerved off the road due to a tree being in the road from a storm. Another vehicle veered off the side of the road when the driver saw the tree and the vehicle previously occupied by Nathan. Unfortunately, this driver hit Nathan and the injuries from this impact ended the life of this 10 year old boy. The death of Nathan Hayes was certainly a traffic loss for his family, friends, school, and community. See Fatal Crash Reported in Lake County, Florida.

It is quite devastating for a parent to deal with the aftermath of a child injury or death. There are a multitude of issues that arise. Support is needed from family, friends, the church, and the community. Depending on the facts and situation, there may also be legal or insurance issues that arise as well. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, Damages / Compensation, Automobile Accidents, and other topics. You can receive this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

A Volusia County teen was hit by a vehicle in a early morning accident. The middle school student was transported to Halifax Regional Medical Center by air ambulance. At the time of this story, the extent of the teen's injuries were unknown. The teen may have been on her way to school when she was hit.

When pedestrians are hit by automobiles, the injuries can be devastating. When driving an automobile in school zones, it is critical that you follow the posted speed limits. Drivers must be extra vigilant in school zones and follow the directions of school crossing guards. As a driver, you should be alert and watch for pedestrians and children riding bicycles. Drivers should come to a full stop when a school bus is loading and unloading children and make sure that the children have cleared the way before proceeding. Keep and eye out for children gathering at bus stops. Remember to always be mindful of children walking in the streets, sometimes they are unaware of automobiles. For more information see, Teen Suffers Serious Personal Injuries After being Hit by car In Volusia County, Florida.

Boca Raton, Florida police officers lift car and save a child trapped underneath the car. Quick thinking and some old fashioned man power saved this child and the family of the child is certainly very thankful for the action. The life saving actions were captured on the dash camera of one of the police vehicles. You can view the video at Boca Police Lift Car to Save a Child.

The incident took place at Verde Elementary School in Boca Raton, Florida. School zones can be dangerous areas for children. Especially during morning drop off and afternoon pick up, there are hundreds of children in any given school walking or riding their bicycles. Drivers should do their best to drive slowly and carefully in or near any school zone. It is well known that children lack good judgment and often times walk too close to vehicles or other dangers. That is why it is so important for drivers to slow down and look out for children in and near school zones.

Many schools and communities are blessed with brave and quick thinking officers like the one who lifted the vehicle at Vedre Elementary School.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Automobile Accidents, Day Care Center Injuries, School Injuries, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. You can get a free copy of this book at Free Book Offer for Parents of Injured Children.

The Orlando Sentinel reported that a 7 year old boy suffered personal injuries when he was hit on his bicycle while crossing a street. At the time of the bicycle accident, the 7 year old boy was with his grandmother. The driver of the van involved in the accident told police that she stopped at the stop sign and then began to make her turn when the accident took place. The driver was issued a citation by the Florida Highway Patrol for Careless Driving. See Child Hit on Bicycle by Van - Importance of Safe Driving.

Florida Laws regulate drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Due care should be taken anytime that bicyclists or pedestrians are on or near the roadway. Drivers should slow down and pay close attention to the movement and location of pedestrians and bicyclists. Unfortunately in Central Florida and many other areas, children are the unfortunate victims of bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents. Many such accidents can be avoided or prevented with better driving and the reduction or elimination of driver distraction.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injuries - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Damages / Compensation, Automobile Accidents, Medical Treatment / Medical Bills, and many other topics. You can get a free copy of this book at Free Book to Parents Looking for Answers to Common Questions Involving Child Injuries.

A 50 year old man was charged with leaving the scene of an accident that caused serious injuries to a 15 month old toddler. The driver, Manuel Mendez backed over the Israel Williams, who was in the driveway of his Orange County, Florida home. Mendez left the scene of the accident that left the child in critical condition. The driver was arrested several hours later.

Accidents involving drivers backing into children are all too common. These type of accidents can be prevented by carefully checking for children or objects behind you. Always pay special attention to the blind spots. Many new model automobiles have backup cameras to assist in viewing what is behind the automobile. Never leave the scene of an accident and always call for assistance if someone involved in the accident is injured. For more information on the article Toddler Sustains Serious Injuries in Driveway Backing out Accident in Orange County Florida.

A two-year-old boy was killed during a tragic pedestrian accident involving a small dump truck in Volusia County. The pedestrian accident occurred on Osteen-Maytown Road, east of Osteen, in Volusia County, said the Florida Highway Patrol.

According to the FHP, the boy, Antonio Nelson was standing in the front yard holding his grandmother’s hand. He suddenly broke away from her and darted into the roadway, said FHP Sergeant Kim Montes. He was struck by a Ford F-550 truck, which was loaded with trash. The driver of the truck, 27-year-old Timothy Simmons, tried to avoid the boy, but the rear of the truck ran over Nelson, said Montes. He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Nelson was the grandson of Seminole County Sheriff’s Major Clifford Manley, said authorities.

Danger can come from any direction, so Florida drivers and parents must be aware of the risk of pedestrian –automobile accidents involving young children. Many of these preventable injuries and deaths occur in residential driveways or streets when drivers are not aware of children nearby. Parents, caregivers, drivers, and children can all do their part to ensure that children do not share the same space as vehicles. Here are a few safety tips:

• Designate safe play areas for children away from parked or moving vehicles.
• Block of the driveway and yard so vehicles/ children cannot enter/exit.
• Firmly hold the hand of children when walking near moving vehicles.
• Walk completely around your parked vehicle before getting in and starting the engine; check for children or anything that would attract a child’s attention like pets or toys.

For more information on this topic, see Troopers identify child who was hit, killed by dump truck.