Child Injured in a Pedestrian Car Accident

There are several reasons why children are more likely to be involved in pedestrian accidents than adults.

Despite making up only a small portion of the population, child pedestrians are disproportionately likely to be injured or killed in traffic accidents. For example, according to the CDC, one in five children (20.4%) who lost their lives in car accidents in 2020 were pedestrians. There are several reasons why children are more likely to be involved in pedestrian accidents than adults. Here are some of the most common factors:

Children’s Smaller Size Makes Them More Difficult for Drivers to See

This is perhaps the most obvious reason why children are more likely to be injured in pedestrian accidents. Drivers have a limited field of view, and children’s smaller size makes them even more difficult to see. In addition, drivers are often distracted by other things, such as the radio or their phones, which further decreases their ability to see pedestrians. As a result, it’s not surprising that so many children are struck by cars each year.

Children Are Less Likely to Judge the Speed of Oncoming Traffic Accurately

Even if a child is familiar with basic traffic rules, they have less developed coordination and judgment capabilities than adults. This means that they may misjudge the speed of a car or truck and step into the road without enough time to react. As a result, they are more likely to be struck by a vehicle and seriously injured. 

The Impact of a Collision

Another reason children are more likely to be injured in pedestrian accidents than adults is that children’s bodies are less able to withstand the impact of a collision than adults’ bodies. This is because children have more fragile bones and less developed muscle tissue, which provides less protection in the event of a collision. In addition, children’s brains are also more susceptible to injury because they are still developing. As a result, even a relatively minor impact can cause significant damage. 

Children Are Less Likely to Obey Traffic Rules

Children may not understand the dangers of crossing the street without looking both ways or jaywalking. This lack of understanding can put children at a higher risk for pedestrian accidents. 

Children Are More Likely to Take Risks

Children often lack the cognitive ability to understand the dangers of walking or playing near busy streets. They may be more likely to run across the street without looking or play in dangerous areas. This willingness to take risks can also contribute to pedestrian accidents. 

Additionally, children are easily distracted and may not pay attention to their surroundings.

These factors underscore the importance of educating children about traffic safety from an early age. It’s also important for parents and caregivers to be vigilant when supervising kids around roads and sidewalks. When everyone does their part, we can help protect pedestrians of all ages from harm.

St. Louis Pedestrian Accident Attorney

If your child has been injured in a pedestrian accident, The Hoffman Law Firm can help. We have extensive experience handling car accident cases and can work to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us 24/7 to schedule a free consultation.

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