Now that school’s out, there are going to be a lot more kids playing outside during the day. An experienced accident attorney knows the devastating consequences of distracted driving, and the lawyers at Kidwell & Gallagher LTD in Elko, Nevada, encourage motorists to pay attention.

Here are three tips for motorists that will help keep kids safe all summer long:

• Slow Down: If you’re driving by a park, playground, or residential area, slow down. Traveling at a reduced speed will give you more time to react if a child runs out into the street after a ball or toy. Likewise, if you see a ball roll into the street, keep in mind that a child is likely to come running after it.
• Watch For Bicycles: Children on bicycles, skateboards, or roller blades are traveling much faster than those who are walking or running, which means there is less time for you to react if one crosses your path. They are also more likely to travel on the streets as opposed to the sidewalks, so check all your blind spots diligently when you’re driving in residential areas.
• Check Your Surroundings Before Driving Away: It’s important to check your surroundings as your drive, but it’s also critical that you check around your car before even pulling out of a parking space. Have you ever seen a school bus monitor check under the bus before heading to the next bus stop? In that same vein, always check around your car for children—or their toys—before driving away.

It’s up to parents to protect their children, but motorists have an obligation to keep the community safe, as well. If you or your child sustained serious injuries because someone else was driving recklessly, hire an accident attorney from Kidwell & Gallagher LTD. The law firm is located in Elko, but they serve all of Nevada and have worked with clients as far as Las Vegas. Visit their website to learn more about their experience in personal injury law, and call (775) 738-1000 to schedule a consultation with an accident attorney today.