MedStar: ‘School’s Out-Look Out’

Dallas-Fort Worth (WBAP/KLIF) – It’s that time of year — the end of the school year for most kids – as MedStar warns, ‘School’s Out-Look Out!:

Throught August 31st, drivers should be alert for kids who will be out and about all times of the day and night.

According to national stats, auto/pedestrian accidents involving injured 8000 kids under the age of 14 between June 1 and August 31 in 2015; another 400 were killed.

Last year, between June 1st and August 31st, MedStar responded to 183 auto vs. pedestrian crashes and 18 of those were for victims under 15 years old. 94% of the crashes occurred between 2pm and 10pm.

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MedStar offers these simple recommendations to reduce the incidence of pedestrian accidents in the Fort Worth area:

For Drivers:

Pay attention! Put down the phone, turn down the stereo and be constantly aware of your surroundings.

Expect the unexpected! Kids do not follow the expected behaviors – they cross mid-block, between cars and when chasing toys such as balls or Frisbees.

Slow Down! Especially in residential areas or areas with limited visibility, either due to blind corners and driveways, parked cars, blinding sun or darkness.

Don’t drive impaired! Alcohol, drugs and even sleep deprivation effect your reaction time.

For Parents:

Teach your kids about the dangers of cars! Teach them to only cross at intersections and to be constantly aware of traffic, including bicycles and motorcycles. And, while you’re at it, teach them that hide and seek around cars is a bad idea!

WALK around your car before moving it! Every year MedStar responds to the tragic consequence of the parent thinking their kid is in the car, when they are actually in front of it, or behind it.