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New Jersey Pedestrian Accidents Are High
New Jersey’s pedestrian fatality rate is nearly double the national average, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Pedestrian fatalities account for 28.5% of all crash-related deaths, which is well above the national average of 15%. As such, school-aged kids in New Jersey are also at an increased risk for pedestrian accidents when they walk to school. Distracted drivers, reckless drivers, and intoxicated drivers can all fail to recognize a child in a crosswalk or on the side of the road, resulting in serious – and often fatal – injuries.
A recent accident in New Jersey highlights the growing pedestrian accident problem in New Jersey and the dangers school-aged children face. A teenager was hit by an SUV while walking to the school bus in Montville Township. He was crossing the intersection to board the bus, which was stopped with its warning lights on, when an SUV plowed through the intersection and into him.
What Can New Jersey Drivers Do to Protect Kids?
Motorists in the Garden State need to be extra cautious of children as they walk to and from school, as well as when they race to school bus stops. In all 50 states, the law requires all drivers to stop for school buses with red flashing lights, and to slow down for buses with yellow lights on. As such, drivers need to take extra caution when they approach school buses.
In particular, drivers in New Jersey need to pay close attention to the hours when children are entering school (7 to 8 a.m.) and to the hours when they are usually leaving school (3 to 4 p.m.). These times are the most deadly for school-age pedestrians, according to AAA. Drivers are also urged to slow down when entering school zones and residential neighborhoods, regardless of the time of day.
Injured in a New Jersey Pedestrian Accident?
If your child is injured in a pedestrian accident in Vineland, Millville, Hamilton Township, Atlantic City or anywhere in the state of New Jersey, it is important to retain the services of an experienced and skilled New Jersey pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. Contact Rosner Law Offices, P.C. today at (856) 502-1655 for a free initial consultation and review of your case.