Drivers are often guilty of being distracted or multitasking while driving. While it can be tempting to send that quick text or make a phone call, anything that takes a driver's attention away from the road and the important task of driving, is dangerous. These types of distracting behaviors are particularity dangerous when drivers are traveling through densely populated areas with many pedestrians.

A mother, her two children and the children's grandmother were recently involved in a car and pedestrian accident. The four were crossing the street near an intersection when they were struck by an SUV.

The mother and her eight-year-old daughter were taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital where they were treated for their injuries and later released. The grandmother and the two-month-old baby girl, however, sustained more serious injuries and remain hospitalized.

Police interviewed the driver of the SUV, but so far no charges have been filed in the accident. An investigation into the accident is pending.

While it's unclear whether or not the pedestrians had the right of way to cross the street, drivers must always be alert and vigilant when operating a motor vehicle. This is especially true when driving through areas in which pedestrians are crossing the street.

Hopefully, both the grandmother and baby girl will be released from the hospital. Due to their ages, however, it's likely that both will have suffered long-term health consequences as a result of the accident. They will likely require ongoing medical attention as well as physical therapy.

Source: WTTE Fox 28, "Family Members Recovering After Dublin Pedestrian Accident," Carol Luper, Oct. 23, 2012