School is almost back, and drivers are being urged to be vigilent at crossings, drop-off zones and even near their own homes.
Kidsafe Victoria has released a warning on the dangers of low speed run overs in the lead up to the start of the new school year.
Kidsafe Victoria general manager Jason Chambers said child pedestrians were at increased risk of injury because unlike adults, they can’t see over parked cars, they can’t tell where sounds are coming from and they think that if they can see you, you can see them.
An emphasis is also being placed on safety around driveways with Kidsafe Victoria highlighting them as one of the most dangerous areas around the home.
“A large number of driveway run over incidents occur in the morning and late afternoon, both of which are busy times for families coming to and from school, kindergarten and work,” Mr Chambers said.
Most driveway run overs occur in the driveway of the child’s own home, or in a friend’s or relative’s driveway. The driver is usually a parent, relative or family friend. In the majority of cases, the driver doesn’t know that the child is close to the vehicle, they believe that they are being looked after elsewhere.
Mr Chambers said it was important to remember that children were unpredictable and surprisingly quick, which placed them at high risk around moving vehicles.
“All cars have large blind spots, some more than 15 metres. Children’s small size, together with these large blind spots, means that children standing or stepping behind the vehicle often cannot be seen from the driver’s seat.”
While reversing sensors and cameras can help to reduce the risk of driveway run over incidents, Kidsafe Victoria warns that technology should never be relied upon on its own to keep children safe.
“Even if the vehicle is fitted with parking sensors or a reversing camera, children may not be noticed until it is too late to stop,” Mr Chambers said.
TIPS TO KEEP YOUR DRIVEWAY KIDSAFE
Supervise:
Never leave young children alone to play, especially near parked or moving vehicles.
When waving goodbye, make sure children are kept well away from the car and are actively supervised by an adult who is holding their hand.
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:
Treat the driveway like a road. Separate children’s playspaces from garages and driveways. Some design features that can prevent children accessing the driveway include fitting high handles to garage doors, fences separating the house and garden from the driveway and self closing doors and gates.
See:
Reversing sensors and cameras can assist with reducing blind spots, however they should never be relied upon to keep children safe. Nothing can replace active adult supervision of children around driveways.
Drivers should get into the habit of walking around their vehicle before getting into it when leaving an area where a young child is present.
Kidsafe Victoria has released a free driveway safety fact sheet on its website www.kidsafevic.com.au/road-safety/driveway-safety, providing tips for parents and carers on how to make their driveways Kidsafe.
