Semi jackknifes to avoid running over child - GIF

[WmRMeyers]

It's really hard to say which decision may have been better. after watching the video ha may have avoided hitting the pedestrian and not have jackknifed by easing up on his brakes and swerving to the right. The problem with that analogy though is. When he first saw the child and initially hit his brakes, it had not yet reached the center of the lane, he was in. The shoulder may not have been level with the road, and it may not have been wide enough to cleat the lane the child was in.
Pedestrians either children or adults are unpredictable once they hear the screeching sounds of a vehicle coming at them. Fortunately, this one stopped in its tracks.

They're as likely to run into the new danger zone as out. Maybe more likely.