After starting the school year with nine children suffering injuries while making their way to or from school as pedestrians or on bicycles, officials in Volusia have wisely decided to do something about it.
Local 6 is reporting that Volusia County Schools and the Volusia Sheriff’s Department are teaming up to boost child education and awareness of the dangers faced by children walking or riding to or from school. Much of the credit for the new program goes to Don Mair, as a parent who lost his 12-year old daughter while she was walking home from the school bus stop last year.
County officials admit that budget cuts that have forced them to reduce the number of crossing guards around schools may be contributing to the problem.
The new program has schools and parents focusing on sidewalk and bicycle safety, and particularly when crossing roadways.
As an Orlando accident attorney who has seen more than his fair share of child and pedestrian injuries due to automobiles, I admire what is going on in Volusia County. I hope other Central Florida counties adopt similar programs. I would also like to see more focus placed on educating drivers about what to look for when they are operating vehicles around schools or in very residential areas.
If you have any questions about a pedestrian versus automobile accident, order a FREE copy of Winter Park personal injury attorney Kim Cullen‘s Florida accident handbook, Asleep At The Wheel.
