Georgia Child Pedestrian Accidents Caused by Children's Inability to Judge Speed

Our experienced Georgia child pedestrian accident attorneys have repeatedly seen that children are at the greatest risk of being involved in a Georgia pedestrian accident.

While all Georgia car accidents pose a serious risk of harming children, pedestrian accidents involving children are a particular threat because of limits in children’s experience or ability to judge the risk. Many child pedestrian accidents occur because children may be less attentive, but recent research suggests that even attentive children may be prone to step into the path of traffic and be hit by a car. Our caring child pedestrian accident attorneys know that virtually nothing is equivalent to the pain and anguish that results from the serious injury or death of one’s child.

A recent study reveals that primary school age children cannot accurately judge the rate of traffic that is moving over twenty miles per hour. The researchers analyzed the visual acuity of a hundred primary school age children and evaluated the speed of approaching vehicles that primary school age children could detect. The study revealed that while adults can reliably estimate vehicle speed up to fifty miles per hour, children’s estimates of speed of an approaching vehicle become inaccurate at speeds of over twenty miles per hour if the vehicle is five seconds away.

Department of Psychology at Royal Holloway, who led the research, says: "This is not a matter of children not paying attention, but a problem related to low-level visual detection mechanisms, so even when children are paying very close attention they may fail to detect a fast approaching vehicle."

This new data can help make policy changes to reduce Georgia child pedestrian accidents. The use of simulators can help children develop their skills in judging the speed of an approaching vehicle. The research can also guide public entities in safer roadway development. The inability of children to accurately judge the rate of traffic means that measures should be taken to prevent Georgia child pedestrian accidents that may include:

• Reducing speed limits in residential areas
• Posting “Children at Play” signs near parks and other areas frequented by children
• Installing traffic control devices in areas where child pedestrians are frequently present
• Increasing law enforcement patrols and enforcement of traffic laws

This study is significant because it is common to attribute child pedestrian accidents to distracted drivers, speeding motorists or DUI. This new evidence suggests that while negligent drivers pose a substantial risk, that the risk is even greater for Georgia child pedestrians because of natural perception limits related to their age. The data is particularly troubling because it suggests that children are most at risk of being involved in a Georgia child pedestrian accident with vehicles that are moving at higher rates of speed, and the higher rates of speed mean that they are more likely to result in catastrophic injuries and wrongful death.

If your child is the victim of a Georgia child pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to seek financial compensation. Even if a child or other pedestrian is partially at fault, they may still be entitled to recover money damages. Our Georgia child pedestrian accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates have been using our best efforts to fight for Georgia pedestrian injury victims for over 39 years. Our Georgia child pedestrian accident attorneys are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.