As child injury lawyers, we know that living in a cul-de-sac can have many benefits. Cul-de-sacs often experience less traffic and give a sense of community since several houses face each other in a circle. While we don’t condone playing in the street, children often ride bikes and skateboard inside of cul-de-sacs because it gives them a huge circle of pavement on which to do so. However, certain rules must be established in order to keep children as safe as possible when playing. Here are some tips.
Place a caution sign at the entrance of the cul-de-sac when children are playing. If children are biking or playing in a cul-de-sac, place a caution sign at the entrance letting drivers know there are children playing and to go slow. When you see a car, alert all the children immediately and give them specific instructions on where to stand as they wait for the car to park and shut its engine off before proceeding.
Never speed and aways look behind your car before backing out of your driveway. If you are driving a car through a cul-de-sac, always slow down and watch for children. If you are backing up, take a moment to look behind your car before you get in, then watch your sideview and rearview mirrors carefully for anyone who might suddenly run up behind you. This is a time when backup detectors or video monitors are helpful to have installed in your car.
Have adult supervision at all times. Any children riding bikes or skateboarding in a cul-de-sac should be under adult supervision at all times. It is important that adults remember that the street is where cars travel, no matter how quiet the cul-de-sac is. Children should not be left unattended where they risk being hit by a car and seriously injured or killed.
Teach children to watch for cars. Tell them to glance up from what they are doing every few seconds and look for cars. You can also have the children take turns sitting still and watching for cars and then alerting the others.
If your child has been injured in a collision with a car that was driven by a negligent motorist, contact The Breyer Law Offices, P.C. today. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.