Pedestrians in Wisconsin are always taking a risk when walking in parking lots, near roads and in other areas where motor vehicles are common. A pedestrian accident, even at a slow speed, can be devastating. However, experts note that children are an especially high-risk group.
The specific age group that is in the most danger is said to be kids between the ages of five and nine. It's worth noting that many of the accidents occur near home, in the neighborhoods where they live.
There are many reasons why kids are a high-risk group. One is that they simply lack experience and life skills that adults consider common knowledge. A child who is playing a game may run right into the road without ever looking for a car, for example, while adults know from years of crossing streets that you always need to look.
Children also have a decreased sense of danger. They may think nothing of taking risks that adults would never take. They're more likely to act without thinking.
Additionally, kids who are young and haven't been around cars for very long might not be able to tell how quickly those cars are approaching. Even when they do look, they could step into traffic.
Finally, a child's body size also makes him or her a greater risk. Smaller children are harder for drivers to see. For this and the other reasons listed above, one of the leading causes of death and injury for children in Wisconsin is the pedestrian accident.
If your child has been injured or killed, we invite you to visit our website to learn more about the legal options you have, as you may be entitled to compensation.