Driveway safety
Kids Safe
Why is this situation hazardous?
Driveways are a dangerous place for children. They are designed to allow vehicles access to and from a property. This then however, presents the same hazards as roads do. Children's unpredictability, their inquisitive nature and the fact that they are surprisingly quick places them at an increased risk around drive ways.
On average, every year there are 7 children aged between 0-14 years are killed and 60 are seriously injured due to driveway run overs occur in the driveways of the child's home, or in a friend or relatives driveway. the driver of the vehicle is usually a parent, relative or a family friend.
Four safety concerns relating to this situation
All cars have a blind spot- some up to more than 15 meters which can make it difficult to see the child.
most driveway run overs occur in the morning (between 8am-10am) and late afternoon (4pm-6pm)
In 85% of cases, the driver does not know that a child is close to the vehicle, they think that they are being looked after elsewhere.
Any vehicle can be involved in a driveway run over, the most common are 4WDs, Utes, Trucks and Vans
Safety rules to follow
Never leave young children alone to play, especially near parked or moving vehicles
Any children not supervised in the vehicle should be kept away and actively supervised by an adult who is holding their hands, to make sure that there is a clear passage for the vehicle to move.
Treat the drive way as a road. Do not let children use the driveway as a play area.
If there is only one adult at home and there is a need to move the vehicle, even for a small distance, ensure young children are placed securely in the vehicle while the vehicle is being moved.
Separate children's play spaces from garages and driveways. limit access using gates, fencing or security gates etc.
Drivers should walk around their vehicle before moving it, especially where children may have been.
Be aware of your vehicle's blind zones and learn the best way to use the mirrors and any other revering aids in your vehicle.
Limit the size of vehicle areas, and the speed and number of vehicles accessing them.
Reduce unintended access to vehicle areas by young children.
Make vehicles areas and their surroundings clearly visible form inside the house.