As Daylight Increases, So Do Risks for Kids

As the year creeps into summer, the extra hours of daylight mean extra hours of playtime for children.

But the longer days also could land them in harm’s way as they bike, play and run amid rush-hour traffic.

A 7-year-old in Orange died and a 4-year-old in Stanton was critically injured Wednesday when they darted into traffic. And officials warn drivers--and parents--to be alert to avoid more tragedy.

“It’s getting closer to summer, it’s light later in the day--kids are out and about,” Orange County sheriff’s Lt. Tom Garner said. “People have to pay attention to that in their rush to get home or get to the store.

“Kids don’t pay attention, so we have to.”

Miguel Dionicio of Orange was riding his bicycle on the sidewalk near Batavia Street when he apparently tried to cross the road to get to a friend about 6 p.m. He pulled in front of a pickup truck and was hit, authorities said. He died of his injuries at UCI Medical Center at 7:20 p.m.

Chris Parker, principal of Miguel’s school, California Elementary in Orange, said the first-grader “was a wonderful, wonderful student. It was a tragic accident.”

Three psychologists went to the school Thursday morning to assist with grief counseling, she said.

The 4-year-old was hurt when he ran into the path of a car on Santa Catalina Street in Stanton. The driver couldn’t stop in time to avoid the 1:50 p.m. accident, sheriff’s officials said.

The boy, whose name was not released, was in critical condition Thursday at UCI, but his injuries appeared to be less serious than first feared, Garner said.

Neither driver was cited. .

In Orange County in 1996, the most recent year figures are available, six children were struck and killed by cars--a figure that ranked second only to drownings among accidental deaths, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency.

Statewide, 90 children ages 14 and younger were struck and killed by cars in 1996 and 5,156 were injured, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP spokesman Steve Kohler said pedestrians and motorists need to be careful. Pedestrians should never assume a car is going to stop when they set foot in the crosswalk, and drivers should be alert for pedestrians--especially children--who could dart into the road.

“Being alert can give you that little extra edge that can keep you from hurting or killing a pedestrian,” Kohler said.

“Slow down a little bit,” he said. “The time you lose is well worth the alternative--you may have to live the rest of your life knowing you’ve killed or injured someone.”

Times staff writer Nick Anderson contributed to this report.