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Yesterday, there was very sad news about a three year old who was killed while crossing the street in St Paul. What a horrid tragedy for everyone involved. Initial reports are that the child got away from her parents and was out in the rode. Investigation continues as to other causes.

This weekend, Injury board contributer Janette Fennel posted a eye opening review on the topic. The post should be read by everyone. A couple of the tips are worth repeating:

KidsAndCars.org recommendations to keep children safe include:

· Walk around and behind a vehicle prior to moving it.

· Know where your kids are. Make children move away from your vehicle to a place where they are in full view before moving the car and know that another adult is properly supervising children before moving your vehicle.

· Teach children that “parked” vehicles might move. Let them know that they can see the vehicle; but the driver might not be able to see them.

· Consider installing cross view mirrors, audible collision detectors, rear view video camera and/or some type of back up detection device.

· Measure the size of your blind zone (area) behind the vehicle(s) you drive. A 5-foot-1-inch driver in a pickup truck can have a rear blind zone of approximately 8 feet wide by 50 feet long.

· Be aware that steep inclines and large SUV’s, vans and trucks add to the difficulty of seeing behind a vehicle.

· Hold children’s hand when leaving the vehicle.

· Teach your children to never play in, around or behind a vehicle and always set the emergency brake.

· Keep toys and other sports equipment off the driveway.

· Homeowners should trim landscaping around the driveway to ensure they can see the sidewalk, street and pedestrians clearly when backing out of their driveway. Pedestrians also need to be able to see a vehicle pulling out of the driveway.

· Never leave children alone in or around cars; not even for a minute.

· Keep vehicles locked at all times; even in the garage or driveway and always set your parking brake.

· Keys and/or remote openers should never be left within reach of children.

· Make sure all child passengers have left the car after it is parked.

For the children involved, they will be covered for no fault benefits as a resident relative in their home or if there is no coverage, by the No Fault from the vehicle they were hit by. If there is no coverage on the vehicle, the bills would then go to the assign claims bureau for coverage.

Beyond No Fault , the question of liability concerning the cars actions and those will need to determined. Early investigation may be necessary to make these determinations.

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