Drivers have a lot to be responsible for when they get behind the wheel. In residential areas it's not uncommon for children to dart into the street, so drivers should exercise caution in those situations. A recent Salt Lake City pedestrian accident has left two boys injured and authorities looking for answers.

Two brothers were looking for their older brother in the late evening. The 7-year-old and 11-year-old boys thought their brother might be at a nearby store, so they tried to cross the street. They didn't see an oncoming van, which hit both boys. The van's driver fled the scene and still has not been located. Thankfully, neither of the children sustained serious injuries, but they still went to a local hospital to receive treatment.

The street on which the accident took place is poorly lit and is without a crosswalk. These factors may have played into the accident. At this point, police are still after the man who hit the boys and welcome any information that might aid their investigation.

This is the second pedestrian-car accident that has occurred in the Salt Lake City area in recent weeks. In both scenarios, the pedestrians were struck in a poorly-lit street. These incidents raise questions about the safety of Salt Lake City's streets. Perhaps more street lighting would decrease the danger for pedestrians in the city.

The victims of this accident are lucky to have been spared from serious injuries, but it is unfortunate that the driver chose to evade responsibility for what happened. Hopefully authorities will determine who was responsible for the accident, so the boys and their family receive answers about the circumstances of the incident.

Driver negligence can cause a lot of pain and suffering for unsuspecting pedestrians. Those who have been victims of irresponsible drivers should consult with a lawyer to see if they might be able to collect damages for their trouble.

Source: The Salt Lake Tribune, "Salt Lake City police ask public to be on lookout for hit-and-run van," Bob Mims, Feb. 2, 2012