Summer is upon us — watch for child pedestrians.
4-Year-Old Boy Dies of Injuries After Being Struck by a Car in Apartment Complex Parking Lot
According to a KSAT News report, a West-Side community is mourning the loss of a 4-year-old boy killed in a tragic accident last week.
The accident happened on Tuesday evening in an apartment complex parking lot on the 400 block of N. General McMullen on the West Side. Zayden Francis, 4, was reportedly crossing the street alone to return home from playing in the nearby playground when he was struck by a vehicle. The driver is not facing charges, but the accident is still under investigation, according to police. The boy later died of his injuries at the hospital on Thursday, May 23rd. A neighbor who knew the family told KSAT that the parents had previously installed a safety lock to prevent the boy from leaving the apartment but that management had removed it. KSAT was unable to confirm this with the office.
Did You Know?
Child traffic fatalities increased by 8% between 2020 and 2021.
School’s Out! Child Pedestrian Reminders for Motorists in San Antonio
Many children across Texas are already on summer break, and the rest will soon follow. As kids get out of school and family road trips reach their peak, drivers will need to be extra vigilant to watch out for child pedestrians.
You already know all of this, but it’s always good to be reminded of safety tips when driving in areas with many children.
How to Drive Safely When Kids Are Around
Neighborhoods, parking lots, and playground areas will be crawling with kids this summer. Here are some tips you can follow to drive safely through these areas:
- Heads Up, Phones Down — Distractions are especially dangerous when kids are around. They behave unpredictably and, when they are older, are often distracted themselves. Always put distractions away and turn music down when driving through areas with heavy child traffic.
- Slow Down — Always follow the posted speed limit when driving through neighborhoods and be especially careful in parking lots. Children are difficult to see and can pop out unexpectedly.
- Check Twice Before Backing Out — Children are commonly run over when vehicles are reversing out of driveways and parking spots. Turn off music, check twice, and roll your window down slightly when reversing out of your driveway or parking space.
Children in San Antonio and across Texas are more at risk than most children to being injured in a pedestrian accident. Motorists and parents have a shared responsibility to keep the children of our city safe. Follow these tips to do your part and save lives this summer.
Of course, many drivers disregard safety and drive recklessly, putting your children at risk. An estimated 110 children are hit by cars every week in the United States, and this number is likely a modest estimate.
Was Your Child Hit by a Car in Texas? Call Carabin Shaw.
A parent should never have to see their precious child be injured or killed by a careless motorist.
If your child was hurt or killed in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- Medical Bills,
- Surgeries,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Wrongful Death,
- And more.
Carabin Shaw can help you find out for free.
Call us today at 800-862-1260 or use the live chat to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced child injury attorneys to discuss your case for free. We’ve put our clients first for 30 years because we care. We look forward to serving you.
Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.