Child Injury Lawyer Blog
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Distracted driving has been a problem since people began driving. Over the years, there have been more things to distract a driver’s attention. Prior to the use of mobile phones, drivers were distracted by music, eating, talking, reading (yes reading) and other non-driving activities. With the availability and use of mobile phones and now smart phones like the Blackberry and iphone, drivers are now distracted by e mails, text messages, and internet browsing. The Gainesville (Florida) Sun Newspaper recently published an article ( States Send Mixed Messages on Texting While Driving Laws) that reviewed laws in various States regarding text messaging / mobile phone use and driving. Some States ban or restrict the use yet post traffic updates to mobile phones by text messaging / Twitter and other applications.
Children (as well as adults) suffer injuries known as traumatic brain injury every day. These injuries can range from the very mild to injuries that can cause brain damage or death. Mild traumatic brain injuries are often referred to as concussions. Symptoms or complications following a head injury can be experienced immediately while some can be delayed. It is important for coaches, teachers, caregivers, parents, and medical providers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a serious traumatic brain injury so that medical care can be obtained as soon as possible. Dr. Beth Slomine is a specialist at the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program – Kennedy Krieger Institute based in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Slomine offered advice on traumatic brain injuries which included the following:
In Grand Prairie, Texas, twenty three children were injured in recent day care van accident. A story posted at 
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is the agency responsible investigating and fining day care centers in Georgia. This agency is investigating an incident involving a child in the day care program at A Child’s World, Hephzibah, Georgia. DJ Murray, age 6, was left on a day care school bus after being transported to the day care center. He apparently fell alseep while on the ride to the day care center.
New York legislators passed New York safety restraint / seat belt laws for the safety and protection of all occupants in a vehicle including the smallest and most vulnerable occupants of vehicles – children. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has a good summary of the New York Occupant Restraint Laws posted to its Official Website at 
In Utah and other states, driveways are a very dangerous area for small children especially toddlers who have mobility but limited to no sense of danger. In Provo, Utah, it was reported that a 16 month old child was hit by a vehicle as the driver was backing out of the driveway. Fortunately, neighbors / bystanders were nearby and quickly alerted the driver about the child. While the child did suffer some personal injuries, tragedy was avoided by the quick thinking and actions of the neighbors / bystanders.
In Trempealeau County, Wisconsin near Galesville, a 7 year old (Tristan Decker) recently sustained serious personal injuries after he was hit by a pick up truck. The incident happened as Tristan was playing off the side of the road in sand. It was reported that Tristan may have been partially in the roadway. When investigating incidents of this nature, it is important to know the following: