Re: Boy hit by silent car :-(
I don't want to point fingers one way or the other, but (notwithstanding the absurd comment that the silent car was the culprit) I think the driver is, to some degree, at fault. I've been driving for 32 years. When I am on a small street, with kids on bikes, dog walkers, joggers, etc. I slow down and anticipate that the people there will make a sudden movement into traffic. When I see kids playing soccer, I anticipate that the ball will come rolling into the street, followed by the kids (and it always happens!).
You have to drive more cautiously when involved in these types of situations. If a cyclist is unaware of the car, I will give two taps on the horn (at a distance) to alert them. If the kids are unaware, I drive extra slow.
I was taught to wait for eye contact (to make sure that the others knew you were there). It's served me well over the years.
Yes, these cars are quieter.
Yes, some sleezebag lawyer will sue and make millions from stupid cases like this one is bound to be.
Yes, kids will do the stupidest things when playing.
and...
Yes, it is the responsibility of the driver to be extra careful and drive cautiously.
Accidents do happen, but hitting a kid on a bike in the street is absolutely a preventable accident.
The kid is 8 years old, if a driver isn't aware that an 8 year old is in the road, there is some degree of fault there.
Last edited by haroldo : 05-10-2008 at 09:29 AM.
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