No school means more kids at play: how to avoid a car accident as Long Island schools let out for the summer

Residential streets in Long Island will soon be active with children playing and riding bikes with their friends. Drivers should realize and understand that kids are focused on one thing–having fun during school vacation–and take extra care when driving on roads after school ends for the summer. Remaining vigilant for children running out from between cars to chase a stray ball is one way for Long Island drivers to avoid a catastrophe. Here are more tips to keep you and our Long Island children’s summer safe and accident-free:

• When driving on streets, turn your radio down and avoid any distractions (eating, using your cell phone, etc)
• Don’t just look at the street. Keep switching your attention from one side of the street to the other. Also, pay attention to kids of all ages playing outside–not just younger ones.
• Watch your speed when driving upon Long Island’s residential streets. Even if the speed limit is 35 miles per hour, that doesn’t mean you have to go that fast. If you see kids playing on the sidewalk and in front yards, play it safe and don’t drive over 15 miles per hour.
• Streets lined with parked cars may require extra attention. Small children can be standing in between parked cars and drivers won’t be able to see them before it’s too late.

Parents of children enjoying summer vacation can help keep their kids safe by instructing children to:

• Never dart into the street without first looking for oncoming cars. Tell them to look both ways two or three times before running to retrieve a ball.
• Avoid letting balls and other toys from “escaping” into the street. Explain that letting a ball get damaged by a car running over it is much less important than a child being struck by a car while chasing the ball.
• Abide by street signs when riding bicycles or using skateboards. For example, stay on one side of the street, don’t ride side by side with a friend and never make sudden turns in traffic.

Although Long Island drivers know kids are out of school, some will fail to exercise safe driving habits. If your child is hit by negligent driver, call William Mattar today to get help with obtaining compensation for your damages.