Driveway safety is important every day of the year – but it is especially vital to be aware of driveway safety when the kids are home from school.
On average, seven children are killed each year and 60 seriously injured after being hit or run over by a motor vehicle at home. Very young children are at the greatest risk. 90% of children killed and 70% of those seriously injured are under five years of age.
As taken from the Government of South Australia Department for Infrastructure and Transport “Toward Zero Together” campaign
Kidsafe Australia has collated tips on how you can ensure your child is safe from driveway incidents. It can be downloaded here.
As a summary;
- Be aware of your blind spots and the whereabouts of your children as you are using your vehicle.
- Make sure children have a safe place to wave bye from or are holding an adults hand.
- If you are the only adult home, check that the children are in the car with you.
- Check around the car before getting in, and keep children in mind when using reverse cameras, mirrors and sensors.
- Teach kids to play somewhere safe, away from the driveway.
- Always make sure your handbrake is engaged before exiting the vehicle.
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