A recent death in Volusia County has prompted schools in the area to re-examine student safety. A 16-year-old boy from University High School was killed last week when he was struck by a car while walking to school. Purportedly, the accident took place at the busy intersection of Volusia Avenue and East Ohio Avenue. Shockingly, the car accident was one of two involving students walking to school that same day.

Since the school year began on Aug. 22, 2011, 17 students have been hit by cars while walking to or from campus. The superintendent reported that she and other school district officials would meet with law enforcement in order to discuss ways to avoid car accidents and increase safety awareness with both parents and students. Nationally, around 800 children are killed annually during normal school travel and another 152,000 are injured.

The statistics, while staggering, do nothing to ease the heartbreak associated with the loss of a child at the hands of another driver. The father of the 16-year-old boy killed last week reportedly wept as he spoke with reporters about the incident. He was surrounded by family and friends, as well as clergy, and spoke very highly of his son. Perhaps the most tragic factor in this case is that the day his son lost his life was the very first day he had ever walked to school.

Families who have been victimized by negligence on the road in Volusia County may benefit from understanding their options following loss. And while no legal action can replace a loved one or undo the emotional damage associated with a serious car accident, monetary reparation may be of use. In cases like this, monetary awards are often used to cover funeral expenses or pay outstanding debts, allowing the family to focus on comforting one another in such a difficult time.

Source: Daytona Beach News-Journal, "Volusia schools to re-examine safety after teen's death," Patricio G. Balona and Linda Trimble, Feb. 3, 2012