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Memorial Day weekend usually signals the start of summer vacation and the end of the school year. Summer is a fun time for children to play outside; bike and walk in their neighborhoods, but child injuries can happen more frequently during this season.

With the increase in hours of daylight and the rising temperatures, there are a corresponding increase in traffic accidents which involve children and vehicles.  The hours of greatest risk are just before and after sunset.  Twilight periods make visibility more limited and lower light levels can reduce driver's depth perception. 

More than 600 children die in pedestrian accidents annually and nearly 39,000 are injured, according to Safe Kids USA in Washington, D.C. SafeKids recommends that we teach children  to be safe in and around the roads and that drivers be extra alert, avoid distracting behavior such as texting and unnecessary cell phone use and watch their speed, especially in residential areas where more children are likely to be playing.

Children have bike-related injuries every year.  By taking some precautions, these accidents can be avoided or minimized. Florida law requires that a bicycle rider or passenger who is under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted and is fastened securely by a strap and that meets the nationally recognized standards for bicycle helmets.  (Florida Statutes, Section 316.2065).  It is also always recommended that riders 16 years of age and older wear bicycle helmets.  By wearing this protective gear, the risks of head injury can be reduced by as much as 85% according to safety experts. Inspecting bikes, tricycles, skateboards and scooters to be sure they function correctly, that brakes and gears are working, tires are properly inflated, and reflectors are in place where needed, also can lessen the chances of child injuries this summer. Explaining the rules for riding safely, including riding only on the sidewalk or designated bike path, not riding near cars and not taking side trips that could put children in danger from traffic or natural hazards.

During this season, drivers need to be particularly alert. Some of the best ways to watch out for children are to:

• Stay focused on driving, without distraction.
• Keep the eyes scanning. This way children may be seen sooner.
• Slow down in residential areas, around parks and playgrounds.
• Expect children to run out in front of the vehicle; so watch for signs of children playing.

"Summer is a wonderful time for children and families to relax and enjoy the much-needed time off.  Let's make sure this summer stays wonderful by watching out for children playing," says Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Florida Child Injuries Attorney,  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.